the midnight summer
He was inclined to blame Michael for bringing such a fellow into Starr 's presence . But Starr laughingly bundled him off to bed and sat for an hour reading to him , her heart all the time in a flutter to know how things came out , wondering if Sam surely understood , and put out the fire ; and if it would be safe for her to give him any broader hint . At midnight , Michael lay broad awake with troubled spirit , wondering over and over if there was anything he might have done for Buck if he had only done it in time -- anything that would have been right to do . Softly , cautiously a man stole out of the darkness of the orchard until he came and stood close to the old chimney , and then , softly stealing on the midnight summer air there came a peculiar sibilant sound , clear , piercing , yet blending with the night , and leaving no trace behind of its origin . One could n't tell from whence it came . But Michael , keeping vigil , heard , and rose upon his elbow , alert , listening . Was that Buck calling him ?