midnight
Touched with compassion , Leonard walked aside , hoping , when the party broke up , to be able to have a word with the poor man . But the piper 's excitement increased . He played faster and drank harder , until it was evident he was no longer in a condition to speak rationally . Leonard , therefore , addressed himself to the drawer , and desired him to look after the piper , engaging to return before midnight to see how he went on . The drawer promising compliance , Leonard departed ; and not feeling disposed to continue his walk , returned to Wood-street . Nothing particular occurred during the evening . Leonard did not see Doctor Hodges , who was engaged in his professional duties ; and after keeping watch before the grocer 's till nearly midnight , he again retraced his steps to the Globe .