midnight
When the circle was complete , he handed the pipe to the next chief on his left , who puffed out the smoke in the same manner . This was done gravely and in turn by every chief . Then the Grand Sachem , Timmendiquas , announced the great military subject for which they were called together , and they proceeded to discuss it . The military council , presided over by Timmendiquas , sat long in the Council House , and about the moment it had concluded its labors , which was some time after midnight , Henry and Shif ` less Sol skipped away from the village . Wyandot warriors had passed them several times in the darkness , but they had escaped close notice . Nevertheless , they were glad when they were once more among the trees . The forest had many dangers , but it also offered much shelter .