about midnight
The reader , doubtless , will wonder why Margaret expressed so strong a desire to keep watch through the long , lonely hours of darkness . Before the conclusion of the story is reached , he will have found out the reason . Soon all was hushed , gross darkness had gathered over the face of nature , and the eyes of the beloved on board were closed in sleep . At about midnight Margaret was slightly startled at hearing a footstep on deck . `` Paul , '' she whispered , `` is that you . '' `` Me , '' he answered in a low , soft tone . `` Most Indians away , far up country after game , and not come back few days . ''