midnight
By nightfall they had reached a small wood of chestnut-trees , where they rested for two hours , more for the sake of their steeds than their own refreshment , for anxiety prevented Iduna from indulging in any repose , as much as excitement prevented her from feeling any fatigue . Iskander lit a fire and prepared their rough meal , unharnessed the horses , and turned them out to their pasture . Nicæus made Iduna a couch of fern and supported her head , while , in deference to his entreaties she endeavoured in vain to sleep . Before midnight they were again on their way , and proceeded at a rapid pace towards the mountains , until a few hours before noon , when their horses began to sink under the united influence of their previous exertions and the increasing heat of the day . Iskander looked serious , and often threw a backward glance in the direction of Adrianople . `` We must be beyond pursuit , '' said Nicæus . `` I dare say poor Kaflis is still gagged and bound . ''