midnight
`` Now is the time to journey , '' he whispered ; `` awake the gentle ones , and be ready to get into the canoe when I bring it to the landing-place . '' `` Have you had a quiet night ? '' said Heyward ; `` for myself , I believe sleep has got the better of my vigilance . '' `` All is yet still as midnight . Be silent , but be quick . '' By this time Duncan was thoroughly awake , and he immediately lifted the shawl from the sleeping females . The motion caused Cora to raise her hand as if to repulse him , while Alice murmured , in her soft , gentle voice , `` No , no , dear father , we were not deserted ; Duncan was with us ! ''