midnight
Suddenly I was wide awake sitting up in a billowed softness , while moonlight of a different color was sifting in through the gable windows and the most lovely calling notes were coming in on its beams . Without a moment 's hesitation I answered in about six notes of that Delilah song which was the only sound ready in my mind . Then I listened and I am not sure that I heard a reedy laugh under my window as just the two notes succeeding the ones I had given forth came in on the dawn beams . Then all was as still and quiet as the hush of midnight . In about two seconds I had vaulted forth from between the high posts , splashed into a funny old wooden tub bound together with brass rims , whirled my black mop into a knot , slipped into the modish boots , corduroys , and a linen smock , and was running out into the peculiar moon-dawn with the swiftness of a boy . But I was too late ! The silver-moon sky was growing rosy over behind the barn as I peered about , and a mist was rolling away from between the trees , but not a soul in all the world was awake , and I was alone .