midnight
He could not think that now ; he knew that it was no more than a consoling lie . Then he ceased to think and grew drowsy . He was aroused by the faint and far-away sound of singing . The dusk had gathered and it must be nearing midnight . He was stiff from sitting so long in a cramped position ; he rose to his feet and rubbed his eyes . The window was ruddy with the shifting light of the Indians ' camp-fire ; occasionally , when the flame shot up , its brightness stole across the ceiling and illumined the walls of the store . He listened ; the tune that was sung seemed to him familiar and puzzled him , for he was not fully awake .