midnight
Some years ago he seconded a great many prize-fighters , and once fought an amateur match himself ; since then he has driven several mails , broken at different periods all the lamps on the right-hand side of Oxford-street , and six times carried away every bell-handle in Bloomsbury-square , besides turning off the gas in various thoroughfares . In point of gentlemanliness he is unrivalled , and I should say that next to myself he is of all men the best suited to your purpose . ` Expecting your reply , ` I am , ` & c. & c. ' * * * * * Master Humphrey informs this gentleman that his application , both as it concerns himself and his friend , is rejected . MY old companion tells me it is midnight . The fire glows brightly , crackling with a sharp and cheerful sound , as if it loved to burn . The merry cricket on the hearth -LRB- my constant visitor -RRB- , this ruddy blaze , my clock , and I , seem to share the world among us , and to be the only things awake . The wind , high and boisterous but now , has died away and hoarsely mutters in its sleep .