midnight
He had learned too much and his mind was too well balanced . He did not try to `` work out things . '' He only thought of what he was under orders to do . `` But , '' said The Rat more than once in these midnight hours , `` if it ever comes to a draw whether he is to be saved or I am , he is the one that must come to no harm . Killing ca n't take long -- and his father sent me with him . '' This thought passed through his mind as the tramping feet went by . As a sudden splendid burst of approaching music broke upon his ear , a queer look twisted his face .