midnight
Do n't you ? '' He smiled down at Thorn , who scowled , then grinned reluctantly and nodded his head . When general good feeling was restored Murray attempted to make his way out ; but his men seemed determined to thank him one by one , and he was delayed through a long process of hand-shaking . It pleased him to see that they understood from what hardships and disappointments he had saved them , and he was doubly grateful when Walsh rounded up his crew and announced that the night shift would resume work at midnight . He escaped at last , leaving the men grouped contentedly about huge pans of smoking doughnuts and pots of coffee , which the cook-boys had brought in . Liquor was taboo in the camp , but he gave orders that unlimited cigars be distributed . When he reached his quarters he was completely fagged , for the crisis , coming on top of his many responsibilities , had taken all his vitality .