midnight
But there was no saying how many dwellings there might be behind that ridge . She once more insisted on landing by daylight ; and was once more told that it was out of the question . She resolved to keep as wide awake as her suspicions , in order to see what was to be done with her . She was anxiously on the watch in the darkness an hour before midnight , when Macdonald said to her , `` Now for it , madam ! I will presently show you something curious . '' The sloop began to move under the soft breathing night wind ; and in a few minutes Macdonald asked her if she saw anything before her , a little to the right . At first she did not ; but was presently told that a tiny spark , too minute to be noticed by any but those who were looking for it , was a guiding light .