midnight
`` On ' y a big stone i ' m ' ribs . '' `` Shove ' t out o ' y' r ribs ` en an ' ` old y' r tongue . '' Profound slumber stopped the conversation at this point , and the frogs that croaked and whistled in the swamps had it all to themselves . Deep tranquillity reigned on the shores of Lake Winnipeg during the midnight hours , for the voices of the frogs served rather to accent than to disturb the calm . Stars twinkled at their reflections in the water , which extended like a black mirror to the horizon . They gave out little light , however , and it was not until the upper edge of the full moon arose that surrounding objects became dimly visible . The pale light edged the canoe , silvered the rocks , tipped the rushes , and at last , touching the point of Ian 's upturned nose , awoke him .