ten o’clock in the evening
He arose and made public and solemn announcement that whosoever bought El-Soo would forthwith and immediately die . He flourished the Winchester in his hand to indicate the manner of the taking-off . El-Soo was angered thereat ; but he refused to speak with her , and went to the trading post to lay in extra ammunition . The first salmon was caught at ten o'clock in the evening , and at midnight the auction began . It took place on top of the high bank alongside the Yukon . The sun was due north just below the horizon , and the sky was lurid red . A great crowd gathered about the table and the two chairs that stood near the edge of the bank .