midnight
I have n't got no niggers myself . I tried them , but they want more looking after than they are worth ; and I can make a shift with my boys to help me , and hiring a hand in busy times to work the farm . Now , sir , what do you think of the look-out ? '' The subject of the war fairly started , his host talked until midnight , long before which hour Lucy and the farmer 's wife had gone off to bed . `` We will start as soon as it is light , '' the farmer said , as he and Vincent stretched themselves upon the heap of straw covered with blankets that was to serve as their bed , Chloe having hours before gone up to share the bed of the negro girl who assisted the farmer 's wife in her management of the house and children . `` It 's best to get through Camden before people are about . There are Yankee soldiers at the bridge , but it will be all right you driving in , however early , to sell your stuff .