midnight
His mother never failed to do it , but he wanted to make sure of it . She put on a lump of coal , just enough to keep the fire `` in , '' and sat down to the weekly mending . At eleven-forty , she would open the draughts and cook the sausages ready-laid in the pan on the table . Top , Senior , liked `` something hot and hearty , '' after his midnight run , and this dispatched , smoked the nightcap pipe of peace , Junior , rolled in a shawl , on his knee . The wife 's face and heart were calm with thankful content as the hours moved on . She was rosy and plump , with pleasant blue eyes and brown hair , a wholesome presence at the hearthstone , in her gown of clean chocolate calico with her linen collar and scarlet cravat . Top , Senior , had noticed and praised the new red ribbon .