midnight
The night seemed to grow stiller , stiller , ever stiller , as they glided towards the head of the pond , until the dead quiet started strange , imaginary noises . There was a pounding as of dull hammers in his ears , a belling in his head , and a drumming at his heart . He was tortured by a wild desire to yell his loudest , and defy the brooding silence . Another -- a midnight watchman -- broke it instead . `` Whoo-ho-ho-whah-whoo ! '' It was the thrilling scream of a big-eyed owl as he chased a squirrel to its death , and proceeded to banquet in unwinking solemnity . `` Whoo-ho-ho-whah-whoo ! ''