midnight
Ta-la-pus listened to everything . He could learn so much from the older men , and hour by hour he gained confidence . No more he thought of his dance with fear and shyness , for all these people were kindly and hospitable even to a boy of eleven . At midnight there was another feast , this time of clams , and luscious crabs , with much steaming black tea . Then came the great Squamish chief , saying more welcoming words , and inviting his guests to begin their tribal dances . Ta-la-pus never forgot the brilliant sight that he looked on for the next few hours . Scores of young men and women went through the most graceful figures of beautiful dances , their shell ornaments jingling merrily in perfect time to each twist and turn of their bodies .