midnight
`` And is that all that you have to say ? '' queried the moderator , rising . `` That is all , '' said Allan Welsh . `` Then , '' said the moderator , `` I charge it against you that you have either said too much or too little : too much for me to listen to as the father of this young man , if it be true that you extruded him , being my son and a student of the Marrow kirk committed to your care , at midnight from your house , for no stated cause ; and too little , far too little to satisfy me as moderator of this synod , when a report not only upon diligence and scholarship , but also upon a walk and conversation becoming the gospel , is demanded . '' `` I have duly given my report according to the terms of the remit , '' said Allan Welsh , simply and quietly . `` Then , '' said the moderator , `` I solemnly call you to account as the moderator of this synod of the only true and protesting Kirk of Scotland , for the gravest dereliction of your duty . I summon you to declare the cause why Ralph Peden , student in divinity , left your house at midnight , and , returning to mine , was for that cause denied bed and board at his father 's house . ''