midnight
`` If Rad _ did _ come this way , '' said Rufe , `` he was shrewd , after all . He knew that by passing through a busy place like the Mills , he would hide his tracks as he could n't in any other way . '' `` To find 'em again , '' Jack replied , rather gloomily , `` we shall have to examine every road going out of this place . '' It must have been near midnight when they entered the village . The houses were all dark and still ; not a ray at a window , not even the bark of a dog , gave sign of life as they passed . `` This looks discouraging , '' said Jack . `` A needle in a haystack is no comparison , '' replied Rufe .