midnight
But she died , leaving him an only daughter as the remembrancer of their loves ; and to that daughter she had imparted all that she herself knew . Besides his calling as a fisherman , and his adventures as a smuggler on sea , Harry also made frequent inland excursions . These were generally performed by night , across the wild muir , and by the most unfrequented paths . A strong black horse , remarkable for its swiftness of foot , was the constant companion of his midnight journeys . A canvas bag , fastened at both ends , and resembling a wallet , was invariably placed across the back of the animal , and at each end of the bag was a keg of brandy or Hollands , while the rider sat over these ; and behind him was a large and rude portmanteau , containing packages of tea and tobacco . In his hand he carried a strong riding-whip , and in the breast-pocket of his greatcoat two horse-pistols , always loaded and ready for extremities . These journeys frequently required several days , or rather nights , for their performance ; for he carried his contraband goods to towns fifty miles distant , and on both sides of the Border .