midnight
The intruder crept along close to the wall , apparently not observing the tigress ; when she rose to her feet , and would in another instant have sprung upon him , had not he , on seeing her , bounded back through the doorway far more quickly than he had entered . Reginald , unwilling to create a disturbance , called Faithful back . She obeyed instantly , and again lay down by his side . The intention of the midnight intruder was apparently either to murder him or to pilfer his baggage , though the dagger looked very suspicious . `` Good Faithful , you behaved admirably , '' said Reginald , patting his favourite 's head . `` I feel very sure that you will watch over me , so I will once more try to sleep . '' Saying this , he again lay down , confident that , whatever had been the stranger 's intention , he was not likely to repeat the attempt .