midnight
`` A very pretty tale , and one to be remembered , '' observed Colonel Manysnifters thoughtfully . '' _ I _ never had an adventure like that , because I am awfully careful about what I eat and drink , and I roost at chicken-time . There 's no telling what will happen to a man when he violates Nature 's laws . Night is made for sleep , and the three hours before midnight count for more than all the rest . '' `` And yet , Colonel , '' remonstrated Van Rensselaer , `` by your own admission just now -- '' `` You mean my outing with the ` Jewels , ' I suppose . That , my friend , is the solitary exception that proves the rule . That little adventure simply confirmed yours truly in his belief of the old maxim learned at Mammy 's knee , that '' ` Early to bed and early to rise , Makes a man healthy , wealthy , and wise ! '