midnight
From this spot a view was obtainable right over the clearing to the forest which surrounded it on three sides . The other hands proceeded to cut down more of the corn , so as to extend the level space around the house . That day and the next passed quietly . The first night the man who was on watch up to midnight remarked to Mr. Welch , when he relieved him , that it seemed to him that there were noises in the air . `` What sort of noises , Jackson -- calls of night-birds or animals ? If so , the Indians are probably around us . '' `` No , '' the man said ; `` all is still round here , but I seem to feel the noise rather than hear it .