midnight
They did not attempt to rebuild the shelter roof , but cleared away the snow and ashes , and sat in their sleeping-bags by the fire . After all the excitement none of them felt like sleeping . They were hungry , though , and finally they boiled tea and cooked a pan of bacon and dried eggs . Even after this they lay talking for a long time , and it was between midnight and dawn when they finally fell asleep . This was the reason why it was long after sunrise when they awoke , feeling rather as if they had had a bad night . It was another clear , bright day , though still very cold , and they felt it imperative that they should reach the cabin before nightfall . That forenoon they made all the speed they could , halted for only a brief rest at noon , and pushed on energetically through the afternoon .