midnight
It pointed to twelve o'clock . Why there should be anything more alarming in twelve o'clock than in any other hour I ca n't pretend to say , but the fact none will question . Mr. Peabody felt a nervous thrill when his eyes rested on the dial . He looked about him , and the darkness seemed blacker and more awe-inspiring than ever , now that he knew it to be midnight . `` Will it ever be morning ? '' he groaned . `` Four long hours at least before there will be light .