midnight
It looks lamer now , as they sit smoking their pipes , more coolly and closely considering it . While they are thus occupied , the wicket-gate , in front of the cottage , is heard turning upon its hinges , and two men are seen entering the enclosure . As these draw near to the porch , where a tallow dip dimly burns , its light is reflected from the features of Simeon Woodley and Edward Heywood . The hunters are both well-known to all upon the ground ; and welcomed , as men likely to make a little less irksome that melancholy midnight watch . If the new-comers can not contribute cheerfulness , they may something else , as predicted by the expression observed upon their faces , at stepping into the porch . Their demeanour shows them possessed of some knowledge pertinent to the subject under discussion , as also important . Going close to the candle , and summoning the rest around , Woodley draws from the ample pocket of his large , loose coat a bit of wood , bearing resemblance to a pine-apple , or turnip roughly peeled .