midnight
He fancied that when men were really very hungry they might be excused for showing an irritable disposition . On that account then he repressed his desire to speak sharply . `` You 've struck a party of flood sufferers , and we 're not overly well supplied with grub , '' Max went on to say ; `` but I guess we can spare you something to keep the wolf from the door . Just sit down there , and we 'll cook you a little supper , though you might call it breakfast , because it must be long after midnight . '' The men exchanged low words , and then sat down . Max noticed that they seemed to choose their places as with some motive in view , and he did not like it at all . He even saw them glance toward the shelter shack , as if wondering what might be inside , for the girls were awake , and low whispering could be heard within .