midnight
She watched their dusky forms , as they flitted by , dimly seen through the trees , by the glaring blaze of the fire , that crackled up , throwing a flickering light upon the majestic forest trees that waved in solemn grandeur above their heads , and sighed mournfully as the night winds floated among their branches . The Indians formed a circle round the fire , by joining hands , and their frantic gestures were teriffic to behold , and their wild shrieks rent the air . Twice , and twice only , the fearful war-whoop resounded , filling the heart of that lonely watcher with indescribable fear . It was past midnight ; the moon had passed her zenith in the sky , and the swarthy band seemed frantic with their wild orgies and intoxication . Many had fallen , beastly drunk , while others swayed like the forest trees , rocked by the wintry whirlwind . Dove Eye sat on a mossy rock looking upon the scene with a melancholy expression of countenance . Near her lay stretched upon the bare ground , Eagle Eye , the wife of the swarthy chief , who had joined their tribe in their hunting excursions .