midnight
Vivian listened , and heard distinctly the distant baying of hounds . ``` Tis he ! '' said Essper ; `` now do n't speak , sir , do n't speak ! and if the devil make me join him , as may be the case , for I am but a cock-brained thing , particularly at midnight , do n't be running after me from any foolish feeling , but take care of yourself , and do n't be chattering . To think you should come to this , my precious young master ! '' `` Cease your blubbering ! Do you think that I am to be frightened by the idiot tales of a parcel of old women , and the lies of a gang of detected poachers ?