midnight
On the morning which marked the end of their two weeks ' stay , the boys began to gather up the camping paraphernalia which was packed in the rear chest and under the seats of the automobile . After a short conference between the campers , it was decided that to best enjoy their last day , the afternoon should be spent running about over the mountains in the machine . The journey home would then be made by moonlight , Gerald having won Aunt Betty 's consent to `` speed her up . '' He promised that they should all be home and in bed shortly after midnight . `` Oh , dear , dear ! '' moaned Aunt Betty . `` I see I 'm in for it .