midnight
It is a well-known fact , that John C. Calhoun 's slaves , in addition to being extremely fond of him , were proud and boastful of his talent . Daddy Bob is an exemplification . The faithful old slave had become sensible of something wrong on the plantation : he saw the sheriff seizing upon the families , secreted himself in the corn crib , and fled to the woods when they were out of sight . Here , sheltered by the myrtle , he remained until midnight , intently watching the mansion for signs of old mas ` r. Suddenly a light glimmers from the window ; the old slave 's feelings bound with joy ; he feels it an invitation for him to return , and , leaving his hiding-place , approaches the house stealthily , and descries his master at the window . Confidence returns , his joy is complete , his hopes have not misled him . Hungry and wet , he has found his way back to master , whose face at the window gladdens his heart , -- carries him beyond the bounds of caution . Hence the cordial greeting between the old slave and his indulgent master .