midnight
Indeed , he had been more than once threatened that Owen 's return would be a `` dark day '' for him , and prepared himself for a meeting with him , as an occasion which might prove fatal to either . These threats , not sparingly bandied by those who felt little inclination to do battle on their own account , had become so frequent , that many looked for Owen 's reappearance as for an event of some moment . Old Larry often heard these reports , and well knowing Owen 's ardent disposition and passionate temper , and how easily he became the tool of others , when any deed of more than ordinary hazard was presented to him , grieved deeply over the consequences such promptings might lead to ; and thus it was , that he received him with that outburst of sorrow for which Owen was little prepared . If Owen was shocked as he listened first to the tale of anarchy and bloodshed the old man revealed , a savage pleasure came over him afterwards , to think , what terror these midnight maraudings were making in the hearts of those who lived in great houses , and had wealth and influence . His own wrongs rankled too deeply in his breast to make him an impartial hearer ; and already , many of his sympathies were with the insurgents . It was almost day-break ere he could close his eyes ; for although tired and worn out , the exciting themes he was revolving banished every thought of sleep , and made him restless and fretful . His last words to Larry , as he lay down to rest , were a desire that he might remain for a day or two concealed in his cabin , and that none of the neighbours should learn anything of his arrival .