Several shots were fired before twilight came, but they did not awaken him.

At midnight King, according to his request, took him by the shoulder and he stood up.
"Nothing of importance has happened," said King.
"You can see the camp fires of the Mexicans in the wood, but as far as we can tell they are not making any movement." "Probably they are content to wait for the main force," said Ned.
"Looks like it," said King.
"If you have no objection, Captain," said Ned, "I think I'll go outside and scout about a little." "Good idea, I think," said King.
They opened the door a moment and Ned slipped forth.

The night was quite dark and, with the experience of border work that he was rapidly acquiring, he had little fear of being caught by the Mexicans.

He kept his eye on the light burning in the wood and curved in a half circle to the right.

The few houses that made up the village were all dark, but his business was with none of them.