about nine o'clock
The wood was as quiet as the grave ; not a breath of wind ; no night-bird nor prowling animal ; nothing but the fine crackling of the cold . When I watched , I almost _ wished _ to see a wolf or bear -- something to come in on the ghostly , silvered circle that the firelight illumined ; something to start my congealing blood with a roar or spring . In the morning we took to the river course again , and went on , but resolved to try as hard as we could to reach the Indians ' camp before another night . It was twenty-seven miles , we calculated , but we did it ; and about nine o'clock heard the yelping of the Indian dogs that sounded our approach while we were yet half a mile from the camp . We knew the five Indians there ; two came out to learn who drew near . Worn out and benumbed with cold , we gladly gave ourselves into their hands to be warmed and fed . They were well provided against severe cold , and soon made us comfortable ; but we were too wearied the next day to do any hunting .