midnight
So soon as they quit the plateau , seeking a way east by south , they plunged immediately into a dreary swamp , where progress was slow and difficult . The mosquitoes beset them in swarms , plaguing even the poor animals with their lusty sting . Hour after hour , until the woods became a hideous chaos of darkness and unseemly sounds , the four panting fugitives pushed on , fainting with hunger , worn out by the incessant battle with the corded foliage , the dense marshes , and quagmires through which their path to safety lay . But at midnight Jones gasped and gave up the fight . `` Go on ; leave me here . I am of no use at best . I should only be a drag on you .