midnight
Their glowing log fire was so acceptable to them , that they were loath to leave it , and so they sat talking together until midnight . They had gained a very good idea of time by observing the sun and moon , and were also greatly aided by the ebb and flow of the tide . They knew exactly the high-water mark , by certain rocks ; they knew that it took so many hours to ebb and so many to flow , and they had become so familiar with the sound of the outgoing and incoming tide , that even in the darkness of night , they did not feel at a loss . `` It is past midnight , Anna , '' said Mrs. Carleton , going to one of the windows and leaning out to listen , `` The tide has just turned . Come here , '' she continued . `` What is that rising above the mound ? '' `` Sparks of fire and wood smoke , '' replied Miss Vyvyan .