ten minutes past
twelve
Again he went down on his knees and elbows as he had done when he lighted a cigarette , got out his matches , and proceeded to strike one . This time he went to work more carefully , and feeling with his fingers for a match with the largest head and the greatest amount of phosphorus , lit it at the first try . Bringing the face of the watch under the light he could hardly believe his eyes ... . It was only ten minutes past twelve . Almost the whole night was still before him . ` Oh , how long the night is ! ' he thought , feeling a cold shudder run down his back , and having fastened his fur coats again and wrapped himself up , he snuggled into a corner of the sledge intending to wait patiently .