about two o'clock in the morning
To repeat all the unimportant incidents of the night would be tedious . When Poyor returned from his first trip outside he built a fire near the stream , shielded the flame by a screen of boughs that the light might not be reflected from the entrance , and then , with the air of one who is accustomed to such work , set about catching `` chickens '' enough to make a hearty meal . Dishing these up in clay he roasted them as before , and Cummings was awakened to share in the appetizing meal . Then the Indian went out again , while Jake was standing watch , and an hour later -LRB- it was then about two o'clock in the morning -RRB- , he returned , and roused Cummings , saying in his native tongue as he did so : `` Five miles from here is a smaller cave . The sentinels have just finished searching it . They will be here in the morning . I have thought we might slip past them , by exercising great caution , and it would be just so much nearer the coast . ''