In Chapter 11 of the book the narrator predicts a total solar eclipse to scare the natives and save the life of a girl. The eclipse comes off as predicted. The following day there was to be a big battle between warring tribes. In the very next chapter the narrator mentions that about an hour after midnight all that could be done for the next day was done. He also (in two places) makes note of the moonlight gleaming off of the native's spears. The moon to be in the sky at that time of night and that bright would have to be nearly full which would be impossible.