midnight
The ground proved tolerably loose , and the pick was but little needed . The field-cornet himself handled one of the spades , Hendrik the other , while Swartboy acted as shoveller , and filled the baskets as fast as Hans and Totty , assisted by Truey and little Jan , could empty them . These last carried a small basket of their own , and contributed very materially to the progress of the work , by lightening the labours of Hans and Totty . And so the work went merrily on until midnight , and even after that hour , under the light of a full moon ; by which time the diggers were buried to their necks . But they were now fatigued . They knew they could easily complete the pit next day ; and so they laid down their implements , and after performing their ablutions in the crystal water of the stream , retired to their sleeping-quarters in the tree . By early dawn they were at it again , busy as bees ; and the pit progressed so rapidly that before they stopped to take breakfast Von Bloom could scarce see out of it standing on his toes , and the crown of Swartboy 's woolly head was nearly two feet below the surface .