About midnight
But something informed him that if they had had any trouble they had got rid of it . They were not talkative at supper that night . They had a humble look , and when Huck prepared his pipe after the meal and was going to prepare theirs , they said no , they were not feeling very well -- something they ate at dinner had disagreed with them . About midnight Joe awoke , and called the boys . There was a brooding oppressiveness in the air that seemed to bode something . The boys huddled themselves together and sought the friendly companionship of the fire , though the dull dead heat of the breathless atmosphere was stifling . They sat still , intent and waiting .