about twelve o’clock
The creek has to be crossed twice ; and the second crossing is quite dangerous , unless one knows it as I do . I have crossed it a hundred times on horseback , and know exactly the turns to take . And so , you see , there 's no help for it . Cudjoe must put in the horses , as quietly as may be , about twelve o'clock , and I 'll take her over ; and then , to give color to the matter , he must carry me on to the next tavern to take the stage for Columbus , that comes by about three or four , and so it will look as if I had had the carriage only for that . I shall get into business bright and early in the morning . But I 'm thinking I shall feel rather cheap there , after all that 's been said and done ; but , hang it , I ca n't help it ! '' `` Your heart is better than your head , in this case , John , '' said the wife , laying her little white hand on his .