midnight
this is only one of those accidents that will happen sometimes , '' Max went on to explain . `` We know it was n't a pig that did all the other mischief , for we saw the tracks as plain as day . To-night it just came about that this porker , escaped from some farmer 's pen , wandered into camp , and found those nice nuts and other stuff that we piled up on the cover of the pit . So he started to have a midnight lunch all by himself , but the ice was too thin , and down he went . '' Even Toby had to laugh by that time , having partly recovered from his grievous disappointment . `` Ai n't this the greatest little puzzle we ever tackled ? '' Bandy-legs was heard to say ; `` and now that we 've got something in our trap , why do n't you use that chain and padlock , Toby ?