midnight
Not once did either the Pah Utah or his dependent strike a tree . Often did they graze the back , and brush through the limbs and undergrowth , but the uplifted arm of the Indian parted asunder the obstructions , and opened the way , as does the snow plow of the locomotive to the engine that drives it forward and the train coming behind . Whether the marvelous vision of the Pah Utah penetrated the Egyptian darkness or not , can not be said . The veteran backwoodsman , as he strides through the midnight forest , seems to _ feel _ the presence of each tree-trunk as he approaches it , just as the fingers of pianists strike the piano keys with such bewildering certainty , without their once looking at them . Onward they pressed , Elwood only now and then able to catch a glimpse of his faithful guide , who never vouchsafed a word or exclamation for his benefit . There was no need of it . Both fully understood each other , and the boy did not attempt to divert the attention which was so needed , at the present time , for the work before him .