midnight
There was a puff , a flare , and the wood caught . With the growing heat and light a semblance of courage returned , still Joyce kept her eyes rigidly upon her task . She laid on more wood , and yet more . It was past midnight and the terrible stillness Was numbing her reason . Presently she cautiously turned -- something compelled her . She did not expect to find -- anything , but she had to look ! Away from the red glare , the shadows concealed their secrets from the fear-haunted eyes , but only for a moment .