twelve o'clock
`` Yes . '' It was evident to both boys that they were going direct to the mountains , and the general character of the surroundings reminded them so much of the mountains on Wonder Island , that they felt assured John would be able to find the cave for which he was searching . That night they encamped on a small stream which was , no doubt , formed by a spring , as its waters were deliciously cool , and refreshing . During that night , shortly after twelve o'clock , the boys heard the most peculiar noises , like a doleful , continuous cry , echoed and reechoed from hill to mountain , -- something indescribable , but they refrained from saying anything to John about it . Some of the boys who were present and heard it were singularly affected , and it must be said that the boys themselves , notwithstanding the experiences they had passed through , were not altogether composed in their minds . When Uraso and Muro appeared next morning , after a night of scouting , they were startled by the accounts which were furnished , as to the number and warlike character of the inhabitants , and a council was held to decide whether it would be advisable to proceed with their limited force . If they knew , beyond question , that the island was occupied by another tribe , it might enable them to make peace with one of them , and thus pave the way for approaching these people .