midnight
He curbed his impatience rigidly , however , and crowded the impulse back . That one or two natives at the most maintained the fires was a supposition not to be ignored . The possible results of such an enterprise were incommensurate with the risk that must be incurred . Despite his uneasiness of mind and body he slept for a time between midnight and dawn as the mere result of overstrain and the weariness accumulated for several days . For a brief time after sunrise the northerly breeze abated , permitting the smoke to ascend more nearly straight . The headland was thereby freed and sweetened , only , however , to be re-enveloped later , and , veiled from the other features of the island . Grenville took advantage of the respite to make an examination of the cliff at the rear of the camp .