About midnight
By adopting this precaution , he effectually concealed the canoes from the eyes of all on that side of the river , unless they stood directly on its margin , and had the aid of the shadows to help conceal them from any who might happen to be on the other . In this way , then , the party proceeded , passing the site of the hut , and the grove of Openings around it , undetected . As the river necessarily flowed through the lowest land , its banks were wooded much of the way , which afforded great protection to the fugitives ; and this so much the more because these woods often grew in swamps where the scouts would not be likely to resort . About midnight the canoes reached the first rift . An hour was lost in unloading and in reloading the canoes , and in passing the difficulties at that point . As soon as this was done , the party re-embarked , and resorted once more to the use of the paddle , in order to gain a particular sheltered reach of the river previously to the return of light . This was effected successfully , and the party landed .