midnight
As soon as the turtle perceived them , it made for the water , but they met it ; and Ready , seizing hold of one of its fore-flippers , turned it over on its back . `` You see , William , that is the way to turn a turtle : take care that he does not catch you with his mouth , for , if he did , he would bite the piece out . Now the animal can not get away , for he ca n't turn over again , and we shall find him here to-morrow morning ; so we will now walk along the beach , and see if we can not find some more . '' Ready and William remained till past midnight , and turned sixteen turtle . `` I think that will do , William , for once : we have made a good night 's work of it , for we have provided food for many days . Tomorrow we must put them all into the pond . '' `` How shall we carry such large animals ? ''