six o'clock
If you value life , be careful ; for if we get through the breaking up of the ice without losing two men , I shall miss my guess . '' `` Come , Tom , '' said Risk , quickly , `` do n't depress the spirits of the youngsters with such old-world superstitions . As you say , they could n't get through the ice now if they would , without cutting a hole ; and when the ice grows weak , will be time enough for you to worry . Take another ruffle to your night-cap , Tom , and you youngsters had better get to bed , and prepare to take to the ice at six o'clock , after a cup of hot coffee and a lunch of sandwiches . Here 's luck all round , gentlemen . '' The toasts were drank by the three elderly men , and re-echoed by the younger ones , who chose not to avail themselves of the proffered stimulant , and then all sought repose in their allotted quarters . Fifteen minutes later the house was in utter darkness and silence , through which the varied breathings of sixteen adults and children would have given ample opportunities for comparison to any waking auditor , had such there been ; but no one kept awake , and to all intents and purposes `` silence reigned supreme . ''