midnight
The day had been balmy and warm , the cattle came in , gorged from a wide circle over buffalo grass , the younger ones , as if instinctive of the coming storm and in gratitude of the shelter , even kicking up their heels on entering the gates . The boys had ample time to reach headquarters , much in doubt even then whether a storm would strike or pass away in blustering threats . It began at darkness , with a heavy fall of soft snow . Fully a foot had fallen by bedtime , and at midnight the blizzard struck , howling as if all the demons of night and storm were holding high carnival . Towards morning a creeping cold penetrated the shack , something unknown before , and awoke the boys , shivering in their blankets . It was near their hour for rising , and once a roaring fire warmed up the interior of the room , Joel took a peep without , but closed the door with a shudder . `` It 's blowing a hurricane , '' said he , shivering over the stove .