midnight
` I am the brother of the young lady who has been the subject of conversation here , ' said Nicholas . ` I denounce this person as a liar , and impeach him as a coward . If he has a friend here , he will save him the disgrace of the paltry attempt to conceal his name -- and utterly useless one -- for I will find it out , nor leave him until I have . ' Sir Mulberry looked at him contemptuously , and , addressing his companions , said -- ` Let the fellow talk , I have nothing serious to say to boys of his station ; and his pretty sister shall save him a broken head , if he talks till midnight . ' ` You are a base and spiritless scoundrel ! ' said Nicholas , ` and shall be proclaimed so to the world . I WILL know you ; I will follow you home if you walk the streets till morning . '