midnight
Again silence reigned for some time , nothing was heard from Ephraim 's rude couch save a dull , low moan from his oppressed breast ; but at last he answered softly : `` The chains no longer weigh upon us , and how could I hate her who released us from them ? '' `` Remain grateful to Kasana , '' was the whispered reply , `` but hate her nation . '' Hosea heard the youth toss restlessly , and again sigh heavily and moan . It was past midnight , the waxing moon rode high in the heavens , and the sleepless man did not cease to listen for sounds from the youth ; but the latter remained silent , though slumber had evidently fled from him also ; for a noise as if he were grinding his teeth came from his place of rest . Or had mice wandered to this barren place , where hard brown blades of grass grew between the crusts of salt and the bare spots , and were gnawing the prisoners ' hard bread ? Such gnawing and grinding disturb the sleep of one who longs for slumber ; but Joshua desired to keep awake to continue to open the eyes of the blinded youth , yet he waited in vain for any sign of life from his nephew . At last he was about to lay his hand on the lad 's shoulder , but paused as by the moonlight he saw Ephraim raise one arm though , before he lay down , both hands were tied more firmly than before .