two o'clock in the morning
Mimosa-trees , air-plants , and every sort of creeper gave an almost tropical appearance to the low woods through which the river ran . Purvis proved himself an agreeable companion in a timid , mild way . He pointed out his own estancia house by the river-bank , and invited Peter and Sir Nigel to come and stay with him some day . The three passengers did not trouble to turn in when night fell , but lay on deck and leaned against bales of wool until the boat arrived at the little port of La Dorada at two o'clock in the morning . Moonlight and dawnlight lent an air of mystery and beauty to the solitary country ; there was a sort of vast stillness over the land , as the boat glided to her moorings in the early morning . Nothing could be heard but the chirping of a bicho , or the desolate neigh of one of the horses that awaited them by the little quay . The stars shone and twinkled overhead , and the air was clear and cool and marvellously still .