midnight
-- WASHINGTON ALLSTON . The history given by le Bourdon lasted until the canoes reached the south shore . Glad enough was Dorothy to see them both safe back , for neither of her companions had yet awoke . It was then midnight , and all now retired to seek the rest which might be so needful to prepare them for the exertions of the next day . The bee-hunter slept in his canoe , while Margery shared the buffalo-skin of her sister . As perfect security , for the moment at least , was felt by the sleepers , their slumbers were sound , and reached into the morning . Then le Bourdon arose , and withdrawing to a proper distance , he threw off his clothes and plunged into the stream , in conformity with a daily practice of his at that genial season of the year .