twelve o'clock
`` I know , '' she whispered breathlessly , `` through my doll 's dungeon . Oh , Betty , how lucky 't is that Oliver never once dreamed of that ! '' `` I doubt if he even knows its existence , '' said Betty . `` There goes the clock , '' as the slow , solemn voice of the timepiece sounded out on the night , `` It is twelve o'clock , and Reuben will be coming upstairs from the kitchen . Hark ! '' -- extinguishing her candle and opening her door softly . `` Josiah has gone to the turn on the stairs , and is speaking to Reuben ; quick , Moppet , if you come still as a mouse they will not see us before we can gain your door , '' and with swift , soft steps the two small figures stole across the hall in the semi-darkness which the night lamp standing near the great clock but served to make visible , and in another second , panting and eager , they stood safely within Moppet 's chamber , clinging to each other , as they quickly fastened the latch .