nearly midnight
We must n't let Joe do it . '' Joe had already attempted to rise and start after his wives . But in the roar of laughter that followed he sat down and began to weep again for Liza . It was nearly midnight . Only Travis , Charley Biggers and Jud remained sober enough to talk . Charley was telling of Tilly and her wondrous beauty . `` Now -- it 's this way , '' he hiccoughed -- `` I 've got to go off to school -- but -- but -- I 've thought of a plan to marry her first , with a bogus license and preacher . ''