midnight
Uncle Ezra rolled over as if he intended to go to sleep , and once more silence reigned in the cabin . Presently a deep snore coming from Ben 's way told me that he was fast losing consciousness , and I was left to keep watch of the fire and listen to the howling of the storm outside . While I was thinking how foolish Elam was to go on searching for that nugget , when he might just as well have turned an honest sheep-herder , and laid out a little of his strength in taking care of his woolly companions instead of spending it all in wolfing , I , too , passed into the land of dreams . The next morning 's sun -LRB- for the storm ceased shortly after midnight -RRB- found us still upon our blankets , for Uncle Ezra did not intend to go hunting that day , and it was nine o'clock when we got breakfast off our hands and the dishes washed and put away . We were just settling ourselves for another long story -- a good one we knew it was going to be , for Uncle Ezra had promised to tell us about the first bear he ever killed -- when a far-away and lonely howl came to our ears . It was so lonely that it seemed as if a single wolf was left , and that he was mourning over those who had fallen before the hunter 's traps and rifle ; but we knew it was not that . We listened , and when the sound was repeated , I threw open the door , and stepped out and set up an answering howl .