about midday
He nodded with satisfaction at the answer he received . Tavish and Grant had sat up all night with their young master , and Max had been to them at least a dozen times , for a consultation to be held at daybreak , and for Tavish to agree that something must be done . The result had been that he and Long Shon had taken the boat before sunrise , and gone off to Port Staffey , where Grant knew a medical man to be staying for a holiday , and to fish . For poor Kenneth was quite delirious , and about midday , after going out on the terrace to scan the offing eagerly for signs of the boat , The Mackhai went back into the house , and up to his son 's room , to hear the injured lad talking at random , and a hoarse sob escaped from the father 's lips . `` My poor boy ! '' he groaned ; `` and am I to lose you ? Well , better so , perhaps -- better than to live a beggar , ready to curse your weak father for the ruin he has brought -- Hah !