midnight
The paddles were plied again , and the bows of the canoe ground upon the gravelly beach with a gentle motion , and a sound barely audible . Hutter and Hurry immediately landed , the former carrying his own and his friend 's rifle , leaving Deerslayer in charge of the canoe . The hollow log lay a little distance up the side of the mountain , and the old man led the way towards it , using so much caution as to stop at every third or fourth step , to listen if any tread betrayed the presence of a foe . The same death-like stillness , however , reigned on the midnight scene , and the desired place was reached without an occurrence to induce alarm . `` This is it , '' whispered Hutter , laying a foot on the trunk of a fallen linden ; `` hand me the paddles first , and draw the boat out with care , for the wretches may have left it for a bait , after all . '' `` Keep my rifle handy , butt towards me , old fellow , '' answered March . `` If they attack me loaded , I shall want to unload the piece at 'em , at least .