he sighed and closed his eyes for a little rest , while the men made their own small smoky fire , and cooked a little salt pork to eat with their biscuit , and they all disposed of themselves to sleep ; the pleasant coolness of the night crept on , and temeraire found himself half-drowsing , listening just in case the kangaroos should come back ; the hopping ought to make a noise , he felt , and abruptly a short high shriek startled him up , wide-eyed and looking .