midnight
He , however , soon contrived to let her know all that had happened , and then inquired for her father and mother and brother . `` Mother is in bed , quite ill , '' she said ; `` she was so frightened by the soldiers , expecting to be carried off to prison , that she has not got over it . My father and Pierre are out fishing . I expect them home before midnight , but they said that they should be out later than usual . '' `` I should like to stop and see them , '' said Bill ; `` but in the meantime , can you give me something to eat ? I am nearly starved . '' `` Of course , '' cried Jeannette ; and she quickly placed some food before Bill , which he as quickly attacked .