midnight
So often did the eyes of the lad fall upon the recumbent timber-cruiser that the other could not have moved without attracting his notice . Stackpole was apparently sleeping like a log , for ever and anon his stentorian breathing arose into something approaching a snore , that sounded tremulously , like a mysterious note from a harsh Eolian harp set in the wind . Possibly , upon noting that Owen was to have the first watch the shrewd chap had made up his mind there would be nothing doing thus early in the night , his chances being better later on when the `` greenhorn , '' as he erroneously denominated Cuthbert on account of his fine name and genteel appearance , had charge . Thus time crept along , midnight came and went , with young Dugdale still holding the fort , as if he intended remaining there until dawn . Once only did he detect a movement on the part of the suspicious party ; and then Stackpole twisted about as though desirous of assuming a new position , and at the same time he raised his head and took a sweeping glance around , just as any woodsman might during the night , a habit born of eternal watchfulness ; yet under the circumstances it was more or less suspicious to see how the fellow completed his hasty survey by a quick look in the direction of the boats , as if quite conscious of the fact that Owen was still there on guard . He immediately dropped back , and presently was heard the same pulsating sound of asthmatic breathing , sometimes ending in a snort -- if Stackpole was still awake and pretending sleep he knew how to imitate the real article right well , Owen thought , shaking his head dubiously . If the Canadian lad thought to usurp the privilege of the others in extending his watch , he counted without his host , for Cuthbert came crawling out of the tent shortly after the time he had set .