midnight
The sun finally rose and illuminated the jungle , groups of trees , and the forest . The lions had disappeared before the first ray began to gleam on the horizon . Stas commanded Kali to build a fire . Mea was ordered to take Nell 's clothes out of the leather bag in which they were packed , to dry them , and to dress anew the little girl as soon as possible ; while Stas himself , taking his rifle , proceeded to visit the camp and at the same time to view the devastation wrought by the storm and the two midnight assassins . Immediately beyond the zareba , of which only the pickets remained , lay the first horse almost half devoured ; about a hundred paces farther the second , barely touched , and immediately behind him the third , disemboweled , and with crushed head . All presented a horrible sight ; their eyes were open , full of settled terror , and their teeth were bared . The ground was trampled upon ; in the depressions were whole puddles of blood .