midnight
`` I 'll go out and try and get provisions of some sort . Le Duc spoke of several cottages on the outskirts of the village , and I 'll call at one of them and try to bribe the inhabitants , or to move their compassion ; perhaps I may get tidings of our friend . '' Though either Oliver or Brown would gladly have gone instead , they knew that Rayner was the best person to undertake the expedition . `` If I do not return before midnight , you must all set out and travel eastward as fast as you can . How do you feel , Peek ? Can you manage to move along . '' `` Yes , sir , '' answered Jack .