midnight
After a while they began to drowse , until one by one the little groups became quiet and fell asleep . Only the glowing , flickering pine knots stayed awake to watch the tired sleepers . The first streak of dawn found the fellows up and eager for work ; besides , there was so much to see and learn before the day 's work was begun . The remains of the midnight lunches were drawn out of their hiding places and eagerly devoured . The fragrant smell of broiling bacon and the delicious aroma of campfire coffee filled the air . The pine-scented smoke from the campfire hung low in the valley , and every sound carried plainly in the morning air . The squirrels were out in great numbers and at their morning play , while every now and then the harsh , rasping cry of a bewildered bluejay would float up the canyon .