the hour of twelve
It was quite clear no unnecessary delay should be permitted to take place . The cold continued to increase in intensity , notwithstanding it was the opinion of the most experienced among the men that a thaw , and a great spring thaw , was approaching . It often happens , in climates of an exaggerated character , that these extremes almost touch each other , as they are said to meet in man . Roswell left the house , for the second time that eventful night , just at the hour of twelve . He now went accompanied by the second mate and a foremast-hand , as well as by his old companion , the boat-steerer . Each individual drank a bowl of hot coffee before he set out , and a good warm supper had also been taken in the interval between the return and this new sortie . Experience shows that there is no such protector against the effect of cold as a full stomach , more especially if the food be warm and nourishing .