midnight
ordered Jim , with scant reverence and -- the scantling was handed . Furthermore , Pa was set to searching the barn for a possible crowbar , pick-ax , or , `` Any plaguy thing a feller can bore a post-hole with . '' Thus rudely interrupted , the `` Nanarchist '' calmly surveyed his companion in labor , then squeaked out : `` There is no occasion for such remarkable activity , young man , but -- '' `` Hurry up ! ` Two n't be no midnight ` fore that ` gust ' strikes us ! '' ordered Jim Barlow . Anger is a wonderful incentive to action -- sometimes . At last Pa Babcock was angry -- as much so as it was in his nature ever to be .