midnight
Through the long , dragging hours which followed until the evening mail-boat started up the river , he wandered in an agony of suspense . The river had lost its charm , and the strains of music from the orchestra on the boat , fell on his ears in saddened tones . He walked the hurricane deck , and bent his gaze upon the distant river bends , as counting the dragging miles . At midnight the boat reached Skarrow . Dave Budlong , the old lawyer , was there to meet Shawn . Shawn grasped his hand and eagerly asked , `` Tell me what is the matter ! '' `` Doc ' Hissong is very low and has been calling for you ever since last night , '' said Budlong .