They would never know.
The three did not stir for a long time.

Ned felt very comfortable in the hay.

The night was cold without, but here he was snug and warm.

He waited for those older and more experienced than himself to decide upon their course and he knew that Obed or the Ring Tailed Panther would speak in time.

He was almost in a doze when Obed said that it must be about one o'clock in the morning.
"You ain't far wrong," said the Ring Tailed Panther, "but I'd wait at least another hour.