midnight
Overhead the stars sparkled brightly , casting a radiance upon the earth that made things several feet distant perfectly observable . Woofer 's blankets had been spread at the edge of the circle farthest from the fire . Ted also slept on the outer rim , and not more than ten feet from Woofer . It was past midnight , as Ted could tell by the stars , for he was not asleep , although feigning to be . He lay facing the place where Woofer was circled up in his blankets , when he saw the cow-puncher raise his head cautiously , not more than an inch or two , and look around . Ted closed his eyelids to a mere crack , for the light from the fire shone on his face , and in that position watched Woofer 's movements . Woofer was very sly and cautious .