midnight
They had advanced some distance up the shore , when Harrington hailed the boat ; Ben did not pretend to hear him , but Mabel , lifting her face , now full of gentleness , said , with a smile -- `` Stop , Ben , he is calling for you ! '' `` Let him call and be -- '' Ben caught the profane word in his teeth , and swallowing it with a great struggle , commenced again -- `` Let him call till he 's tired , why did n't he stay with that old Judas and the young witch . To think of going off with sich like , and madame just a dying -- halloo away , Ben Benson 'll sink afore he hears you ! '' Ben muttered this between his teeth , and worked away at the oars , doggedly resolved to continue his fit of deafness , and give his master a midnight walk through the dripping and rough woods , but Mabel addressed him again with a quiet firmness which he could not find the heart to resist . `` Put on shore , Ben , and take your master in . '' `` I begin to thing he 's took us all in a little too often ! '' muttered Ben ; but he turned reluctantly for the shore , and Harrington , without speaking , took his place in the boat .