midnight
Ere he began , however , he gazed all around with a look which Phemy interpreted as a renewed search for the Father of lights , whom he would fain thank for his gifts . When he had finished , he threw the remnants into one of the fires , then went down to the sea , and there washed his face and hands in a rock pool , after which they set off again , straying yet further along the coast . One of the peculiarities in the friendship of the strange couple was that , although so closely attached , they should maintain such a large amount of mutual independence . They never quarrelled , but would flatly disagree , with never an attempt at compromise ; the whole space between midnight and morning would sometimes glide by without a word spoken between them ; and the one or the other would often be lingering far behind . As , however , the ultimate goal of the night 's wandering was always understood between them , there was little danger of their losing each other . On the present occasion , the laird , still full of his quest , was the one who lingered . Every few minutes he would stop and stare , now all around the horizon , now up to the zenith , now over the wastes of sky -- for , any moment , from any spot in heaven , earth , or sea , the Father of lights might show foot , or hand , or face .