midnight
Rolf did not forget to bring away whole handsful of beautiful shells , which he had amused himself with collecting for Erica . At last , they entered the boat again ; and while they were dressing , Oddo charmed his grandfather with a description of the cave , -- of the dark , sounding walls , the lofty roof , and the green tide breaking on the white sands . It almost made the listener cool to hear of these things : but , as Oddo had remarked , the heat had abated . It was near midnight , and the sun was going to set . Their row to the shore would be in the cool twilight : and then they should take in companions , who , fresh from rest , would save them the trouble of rowing home . When all were too tired to talk , and the oars were dipping somewhat lazily , and the breeze had died away , and the sea-birds were quiet , old Peder , who appeared to his companions to be asleep , raised his head , and said , `` I heard a sob . Are you crying , Oddo ? ''