midnight
In order to get the fullest idea of travelling on the Ocklawaha , Cobbington rigged out the sheet iron pans , with which the boat was provided for burning light wood , and other combustibles that would give a bright blaze , and the run was continued till midnight . The effect was exceedingly picturesque ; and the ladies , wrapped in their shawls and water-proofs , were delighted with the view of the forest , illuminated by the bright fires . The trees , the trailing moss , and the openings in the woods assumed weird shapes , and the alligators were as frisky as though they were attending a grand ball . At midnight , the ladies began to yawn , and had evidently seen enough of the dazzling spectacle ; and the boat was moored to a tree for the rest of the night . At daylight we were moving again , and in the middle of the forenoon we reached the mouth of the river , and ran alongside of the Sylvania . We found our ship-keepers in good condition ; but both of them wanted to go with us up the St. Johns , and I had not the heart to refuse them . I hired a reliable man to take charge of the Sylvania , and on Monday morning , at daylight , we began the trip .