midnight
The Panther and Obed now began to seek a place for a camp . They knew that too much haste would mean a breakdown , and they meant that the people whom they had rescued should have a rest . But it took a long time to find the trees which would furnish wood and partial shelter . It was Obed who made the happy discovery some time after midnight . Turning to their left , they entered a grove of dwarf oaks , covering a half acre or so , and with much labor and striving built a fire . They made it a big fire , too , and fed it until the flames roared and danced . Ned noticed that all the rescued prisoners crouched close to it , as if it were a giver of strength and courage as well as warmth , and now the light revealed their faces .