midnight
Not a sound was to be heard except the monotonous clang of the engine , and the lake was as silent in the gloom as though the shadow of death was upon it . There was a solemnity in the scene which impressed the young pilot , even accustomed as he was to the night and the silence . He was worn out by the labors and the excitement of the day , but he could not resist the inspiration which came from the quiet waters and the gloomy shores . The _ Woodville _ sped on her way , and at midnight she was approaching the steamboat wharf at Burlington . Lawry rang to `` slow down , '' and informed Ethan that the boat was close to the wharf . The `` fires were drawn , '' and in a few moments more the steamer was made fast to the wharf . After satisfying himself that everything was secure on board , the exhausted pilot went to his stateroom , and was soon fast asleep .