midnight
`` You can read 'em , '' snapped Mrs. Holmes , `` if you 're set on hearing . '' Uncle Israel wheezed so loudly that for the moment he drowned the deep purr of Claudius Tiberius . When quiet was restored , Mr. Perkins broke the seal of the envelope and unfolded the communication within . Uncle Israel held the dripping candle on one side and Mrs. Smithers the smoking lantern on the other , while near by , Dick watched the midnight assembly with an unholy glee which , in spite of his efforts , nearly became audible . `` How beautiful , '' said Mr. Perkins , `` to think that dear Uncle Ebeneezer 's last words should be given to us in this unexpected but original way . '' `` Shut up , '' said Mrs. Smithers , emphatically , `` and read them last words . I 'm gettin ' the pneumony now , that 's wot I am . ''