midnight
And so saying , the leathery figure moved off in the direction of the fire , followed by his younger companion . Although I was anxious to have a further explanation about the other points that puzzled me -- about the steed , the trappers ' own presence , their knowledge of my wild hunt , and its antecedents -- I knew it would be useless to question Old Rube any further after what he had said ; I was compelled , therefore , to follow his advice , and remain quiet . I soon fell asleep again , and this time slept long and profoundly . It was after nightfall , -- in fact , near midnight , when I awoke . The air had grown chilly , but I found I had not been neglected ; my serape was wrapped closely around me , and with a buffalo-robe , had sufficiently protected me from the cold while I slept . On awaking , I felt much better and stronger . I looked around for my companions .