midnight
`` Then our only chance depends on keeping out of their clutches ? '' `` That 's it . '' Preparations for the escape were quietly made , so that if by chance any spying Indian looked into the little camp he would not understand what was going on . The sleds were securely loaded , rifles and ammunition placed where they could be quickly reached , and the tent struck shortly before midnight . The Northern Lights were not as brilliant as usual , for which they were thankful , as it favored their chances of not being discovered . At last all was in readiness . For a wonder the dogs were quiet , and allowed themselves to be harnessed with little or no fuss .