midnight
Something tremendous must be done , and done without delay . At one moment he thought of killing all the farmer 's cattle ; next of killing him ; challenging him to single combat with the arms , and according to the fashion of gentlemen . But the farmer was a coward ; he would refuse . Then he , Richard Feverel , would stand by the farmer 's bedside , and rouse him ; rouse him to fight with powder and ball in his own chamber , in the cowardly midnight , where he might tremble , but dare not refuse . `` Lord ! '' cried simple Ripton , while these hopeful plots were raging in his comrade 's brain , now sparkling for immediate execution , and anon lapsing disdainfully dark in their chances of fulfilment , `` how I wish you 'd have let me notch him , Ricky ! I 'm a safe shot .