three hours after midnight
The light from the moon and stars grew . The dusk was shot with a silver glow . Apprehension , weariness went from him , and he shot down the river , mile after mile , apparently the only figure in the ancient wilderness . He did not stop until two or three hours after midnight , when at a low place in the bank he thrust the canoe into a dense mass of water weeds and bushes , put the paddle beside him and ate freely of the captured supplies . The venison and buffalo meat were excellent , and while the water of the river was not as good as that of a spring , it was nevertheless cold and refreshing . Fresh warmth and vigor flowed into his body , and he declared to himself that he had never felt better and stronger in his life . He looked with satisfaction at his stores , which would last him so long , and he also saw in the canoe a folded green blanket , which its owner evidently had left there for future use .