eight o'clock
Puss , however , in spite of shadows , trudged on with a brave heart , waiting for an opportunity to get his supper and a comfortable place to sleep . Suddenly he was startled by a strange sight . A small boy in his nightgown came racing down the street : `` Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town , Up-stairs and down-stairs in his nightgown , Rapping at the windows , crying through the lock , ` Are the children in their beds ? It 's past eight o'clock ! ' '' `` Wait for me ! '' cried Puss , Jr. , but Wee Willie Winkie did not stop . On he ran , turning the next corner before Puss could overtake him .