midnight
The night came on very dark . The doctor had not been able to reconnoitre the country . He had made fast to a very tall tree , from which he could distinguish only a confused mass through the gloom . As usual , he took the nine-o'clock watch , and at midnight Dick relieved him . `` Keep a sharp lookout , Dick ! '' was the doctor 's good-night injunction . `` Is there any thing new on the carpet ? ''