midnight
They were so exhausted that it was with great difficulty they kept on their feet . The children were more dead than alive , and the approaching darkness filled them with terror . Their mother would say to them , `` Keep along , follow closely , the moon is rising , we shall soon have plenty of light . '' In this manner they toiled on till midnight , when they reached the sloop . Fortunately for the little band of wanderers , Captain Godfrey had left on board the vessel a small Dutch stove and a number of broken boxes . A fire was soon made , some of the burnt pork was sliced and put in a pan and fried for the night 's meal . But the children sank to rest soon after getting on board , and lay huddled together on the cabin floor .