Midnight
Boonda Broke and the dead Dakoon were forgotten . The people were in the presence of a monster which could sweep them from their homes as a hail-storm scatters the hanging nests of wild bees . In a thousand homes little red lights of propitiation were shining , and the sweet boolda wood was burning at a thousand shrines . Midnight came , then the long lethargic hours after ; then that moment when all cattle of the field and beasts of the forest wake and stand upon their feet , and lie down again , and the cocks crow , and the birds flutter their wings , and all resign themselves to sleep once more . It was in this hour that the sick man opened his eyes and raised his head , as though the mysterious influence of primitive life were rousing him . He said nothing and did nothing , but lay back and drew in a long , good breath of air , and afterwards fell asleep . The beggar got to his feet .