midnight
Douglas said nothing , but walked silently by their side . He was thinking over more serious matters in which Ben Stubbles loomed large and ominous . He believed that the struggle between himself and the Stubbles had now reached a crisis , and that he was in a fair way of winning a victory over Ben , at least , if he advanced carefully . It was past midnight by the time they reached home . Jake made Empty come into the house . `` We 're goin ' to have something to eat , '' he told him , `` an ' I know you always shine when there 's any grub around . '' Mrs. Jukes was in bed , but it did not take Jake long to light the kitchen fire , boil some water , and prepare a pot of tea .