midnight
His vision became more acute as the shades of evening settled on the place ; and even after the stars were glimmering above his head , he was able to distinguish the recumbent forms of his companions , as they lay stretched on the grass , and to note the person of Chingachgook , who sat upright and motionless as one of the trees which formed the dark barrier on every side . He still heard the gentle breathings of the sisters , who lay within a few feet of him , and not a leaf was ruffled by the passing air of which his ear did not detect the whispering sound . At length , however , the mournful notes of a whip-poor-will became blended with the moanings of an owl ; his heavy eyes occasionally sought the bright rays of the stars , and he then fancied he saw them through the fallen lids . At instants of momentary wakefulness he mistook a bush for his associate sentinel ; his head next sank upon his shoulder , which , in its turn , sought the support of the ground ; and , finally , his whole person became relaxed and pliant , and the young man sank into a deep sleep , dreaming that he was a knight of ancient chivalry , holding his midnight vigils before the tent of a recaptured princess , whose favor he did not despair of gaining , by such a proof of devotion and watchfulness . How long the tired Duncan lay in this insensible state he never knew himself , but his slumbering visions had been long lost in total forgetfulness , when he was awakened by a light tap on the shoulder . Aroused by this signal , slight as it was , he sprang upon his feet with a confused recollection of the self-imposed duty he had assumed with the commencement of the night . `` Who comes ? ''