midnight
`` Were he living , '' answered Colepepper , `` he would rather have lost it than his money . -- But that is not the question , Master Skurliewhitter -- you undid the private bolts of the window when you visited him about some affairs on the day ere he died -- so satisfy yourself , that , if I am taken , I will not swing alone . Pity Jack Hempsfield is dead , it spoils the old catch , ` And three merry men , and three merry men , And three merry men are we , As ever did sing three parts in a string , All under the triple tree . ' '' `` For God 's sake , speak lower , '' said the scrivener ; `` is this a place or time to make your midnight catches heard ? -- But how much will serve your turn ? I tell you I am but ill provided . '' `` You tell me a lie , then , '' said the bully -- `` a most palpable and gross lie .