midnight
Indeed the low state of their provisions alone formed a sufficient security for the maintenance of his engagement . That evening -LRB- the 11th July -RRB- they pitched their tents near to a spot where there had been three encampments of the Esquimaux , and here Mackenzie sat up all night to observe the sun , being now in that realm of bright unchanging day , which in winter becomes a region of continuous night . At half-past twelve he called up Reuben Guff and his son and Swiftarrow , who were the most intelligent members of his party , to view a spectacle which they had never before seen . They thought , on observing the sun so high , that it was the signal to embark , and were about to rouse their comrades , when Mackenzie checked them , and it was with difficulty he persuaded them that the sun had not descended nearer to the horizon , and that it was then but a short time past midnight ! It is but justice to Reuben and his party to say that they offered no opposition to their leader during the whole voyage . In regard to this , one speech made by Reuben will suffice to describe the spirit that animated him . `` It do n't do , Lawrence , '' said he , `` to go for to interfere wi ' them as leads .