about midnight
By that time the storm had cleared away completely and the stars were showing themselves in the blue vault of heaven . Fearful that some wild beasts might be around , the young hunters resolved to take turns at standing guard . The campfire was kept burning , for nobody wished to remain in such a locality in utter darkness . Whopper remained on guard first , and about midnight he was relieved by Snap . The leader of the club had just put some fresh wood on the fire when he heard a strange sound some distance from the shelter . Then came a mocking laugh . `` Ha !