midnight
`` But did n't they tell you ? '' cried the surprised Ernestine , for she thought old Mother Toulouche was in the know : `` Why , there 's the Beadle -- and the Beard ... '' `` Oh , '' cried Mother Toulouche , much impressed : `` If the Beard 's in it , then it 's a serious affair ! '' `` Yes , '' replied big Ernestine , staring hard at the old receiver of stolen goods : `` It 's serious all right ! If the chloroform does n't work -- oh , well ... they 'll bring the knife into play ... '' Big Ernestine looked at her little silver watch to mark the time : `` Past midnight ! '' she remarked : `` I must hurry off and see what they 're up to ! '' As she was making off Mother Toulouche stopped her : `` Have a glass of rum to start on -- it puts heart into you ! '' The two women were quite ready for a drink together .