midnight
asked Ned . `` The king 's brothers may find an opportunity to come and talk to us when the feast is at its height , '' was the reply . Anxiously they waited , and in order that the royal brothers might come in unobserved , if they did conclude to speak to the captives , Tom and his companions hung some pieces of canvas over the windows and doors , and had only a single light burning . It was at midnight that a cautious knock sounded at the side of the hut and Tom glided to the main door . In the shadows he saw the two royal brothers , Tola and Koku . `` Here they are ! '' whispered Tom to Jake Poddington , who came forward .