midnight
Then the relief expedition started . It was very strange being out so late . Before ten o'clock a girl may go anywhere in Harding , but after ten the streets are deserted and dreadful . Betty shivered and clung close to Katherine , who marched boldly along , declaring that it was much nicer outdoors than in , and that midnight was certainly the top of the evening for a walk . `` And if we find her way up the river we can all camp out for the night , '' she suggested jovially . `` But if we do n't find her ? '' Katherine , who had noticed Betty 's growing nervousness , refused to entertain the possibility .