midnight
He dropped down upon his belly in the snow . But his head was still alert and listening . The moon had already begun its westward decline . The fire burned out until the logs were only a dull and slumbering glow ; the hand of Challoner 's watch passed midnight , and still Miki was wide-eyed and restless in the thrill of the thing that was upon him . And then at last The Call that was coming to him from out of the night became his master , and he gnawed the babiche in two . It was the call of the Woman -- of Nanette and the baby . In his freedom Miki sniffed at the edge of Challoner 's tent .