midnight
Their determined faces peered through the gathering darkness . None went to rest that night . They knew that if a breeze sprang up Cartier meant to take advantage of it , and steal out of the harbour . One singer after another grew weary , and towards midnight only a few intermittent notes broke the stillness . Soon all was silent as the grave , save for the occasional cry of some animal prowling in search of food upon the shore . About one in the morning a gentle breeze swept across the water from the land . A silent signal passed between Cartier 's vessels , and instantly dark forms moved hither and thither about their decks .