midnight
Mizzoo relapsed into meditative silence , and the young man , in sympathy with his mood , kept at his side , no longer asking questions . Darkness came on and the hour grew late but few words were exchanged as they rode the weary miles that marked the limit of the range . There were the usual incidents of such work , each bringing its customary comments . The midnight luncheon beside a small fire , over which the coffee steamed , roused something like cheerful conversation which , however , flickered and flared uncertainly like the bonfire . On the whole the young man was unwontedly reserved , and the other , perceiving it , fell back contentedly on his own resources -- pleasant memories and rank tobacco . `` Guess I 'll leave you now , '' remarked the young man , when the fire had died away . `` Yes , better turn in , for you 're most uncommon dull you know , '' Mizzoo replied frankly . ''