midnight
The cold was intense -- the thermometer registering more than 60 deg . below zero . But as we said before , no wind was ever felt aboard Silver Cloud , and it has been ascertained that man can endure almost any degree of cold if it be quiet and still . At midnight they all sat down to a good substantial supper that had been prepared by Sing . The aroma of the coffee filled the little dining-room , and was grateful to the senses . How merry and happy they were ! And they ate and drank with appetites that were very complimentary to Sing 's cooking , and the faithful Mongolian was well pleased to see the food thus disappearing .