two o'clock
said Turner , as he carried the report to Archer . '' ` Tonio has managed to elude Malloy 's party , probably by leading them off on a false scent , but now we have blood to follow . Let me send out a platoon , mounted , and we may nail the gang before sunrise . '' It was then short of two o'clock , and while busy trailers followed on with their lanterns down the eastward bank , and were presently seen flitting like fireflies far south among the willows , Turner himself , with a score of his men , hastened back to quarters . There was saddling in hot haste , yet with the precision of long practice . By half past two all sight or sound of the trailers and the pursuing horsemen was lost in the distance , and a corporal , trotting back from the Sanchez place , reported that Muñoz and some of his fellows had joined in the search , and already with important result . Captain Turner sent him back with his compliments to the commanding officer .