midnight
There was an abundance of wood around them , and they gathered all they could possibly need . Then they heaped up a big lot of leaves and lay down as close to each other as possible . This was the best that could be done ; but it gave a great advantage to the one who lay in the middle , as the warmth of the others kept him comfortable , while they were forced to turn one side to the cold air . By changing about , however , they got along quite well until past midnight , when the pile of leaves caught fire and caused them to leap to their feet with so much vigor that the outside ones got sufficiently warm to last till daylight . The friends were glad enough when it began growing red in the east . They rose early , washed their hands and faces in the clear brook , which flowed near at hand , using their handkerchiefs for towels . Then a rabbit and couple of squirrels were shot , and , with the same wolf-like appetites , they made a nourishing and substantial meal .