midnight
` It is a messenger from the seat of war , ' drawled the boy in my lap , without moving . Then , lifting his curly head for a moment , he cried , ` To horse ! gentlemen , to horse ! The enemy will be at Carter 's Mill by midnight ! ' `` There was a pause ; the solitary footfalls came nearer through the evening mists , and a small brother , of a quaint turn of mind , much given to the study of the historical portions of the Old Testament , sat up and said , slowly : '' ` It is one of Job 's messengers . _ The Chaldeans made out three bands , and fell upon the camels , and have carried them away , yea , and slain the servants with the edge of the sword ; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee . _ ' `` The others boys laughed , but he lay down again , as solemnly as he had risen . ''