midnight
But when I asked the opinion of my Indians , they were of one mind against my two , saying that to follow the river was the easiest , swiftest , and safest course to Tioga Point . They knew better than did I . This side of Tioga the Oneidas knew the ground as well as the Siwanois ; but beyond , toward Catharines-town , only my Siwanois knew . Indeed , if my Oneidas remained with me at all beyond Tioga I might deem myself lucky , in such dread and detestation did they hold that gloomy region where the Wyoming Witch brooded her deadly crew , and where the Toad Woman , her horrible sister , fed the secret and midnight fires of hell with the Red Priest , Amochol . A grey hawk was circling above us mewing . Truly , our nerves had been somewhat shattered , for as we rose and resumed pack and sack , a distant partridge drumming on his log startled us all ; and it was as though we had thought to hear the witch-drums rolling at the Onon-hou-aroria , and the hawk mewing seemed like the Sorcerers calling `` Hiou ! Hiou !