eleven o'clock
His liveliness was infectious ; they all set to work with a will , and in a few moments a crackling wood-fire blazed cheerily on the ground , and the gipsy preparations for the _ al fresco _ supper went on apace amid peals of laughter . Soon the fragrance of steaming coffee arose and mingled itself with the resinous odors of the surrounding pine-trees , -- while Macfarlane distinguished himself by catching a fine salmon trout in a quiet nook of the rushing river , and this Duprèz cooked in a style that would have done honor to a _ cordon bleu _ . They made an excellent meal , and sang songs in turn and told stories , -- Olaf Güldmar , in particular , related eerie legends of the _ Dovre-fjelde _ , and many a striking history of ancient origin , full of terror and superstition , -- concerning witches , devils , and spirits both good and evil , who are still believed to have their abode on the Norwegian hills , -- for , as the _ bonde _ remarked with a smile , `` when civilization has driven these unearthly beings from every other refuge in the world , they will always be sure of a welcome in Norway . '' It was eleven o'clock when they at last retired within the hut to rest for the night , and the errant Sigurd had not returned . The sun shone brilliantly , but there was no window to the small shed , and light and air came only through the door , which was left wide open . The tired travellers lay down on their spread-out rugs and blankets , and wishing each other a cheerful `` good night , '' were soon fast asleep . Errington was rather restless , and lay awake for some little time , listening to the stormy discourse of the Fall ; but at last his eyelids yielded to the heaviness that oppressed them , and he sank into a light slumber .