midnight
`` Is there any need to keep watch up here ? '' asked Dale . `` Oh no , herr ; not the slightest . '' `` Then welcome sleep to my weary bones , '' said Dale , as he stretched himself out ; and soon after , as the stars came out , they were all sleeping peacefully , but only to be aroused just after midnight by a most unearthly scream -- a cry loud enough to make every one spring at once to his feet and nearly upset the tiny tent . It was very dark and cold , the stars gleamed frostily overhead , and the nearest mountain peak stood out weird-looking and strange against the purple sky , as the little party stood together listening , and then questioning each other in an awe-stricken whisper . `` You heard it , Saxe ? '' said Dale .