midnight
Going back , Glover rode near to Gertrude , who had grown restless and imperious . To hunt this queer mountain-lion was recreation , but to have the mountain-lion hunt her was disquieting . She complained again of her wounded hand , but refused all suggestions , and gave him no credit for riding between her and the thorny trees through the cañon . It was midnight when the party reached the hotel , and when Gertrude stepped across the parlor to the water-pitcher , Glover followed . `` I must thank you for your thoughtfulness of my little sister to-night , '' she was saying . He was so intent that he forgot to reply . `` May I ask one question ? ''