midnight
All were sickened by the great heat , the stifling smoke , and the exhaustion of twenty-four hours of continuous fighting . Donald held to his strength better than any , because from his perilous position on the roof he could at least breathe pure air ; while Christie , who fought beside his men , was so upheld by his indomitable will that he would not acknowledge fatigue . So the defence was maintained , until the second day of incessant toil , fighting , and hoping against hope for relief , dragged out its weary length , and darkness once more brooded over Presque Isle . From behind the breastworks rifles flashed incessantly until midnight , when the firing ceased , and from out of the darkness a voice hailed the fort in English . `` What is wanted ? '' demanded Christie . `` You are called upon to surrender , '' answered the voice , `` since further resistance is useless . ''