midnight
Men that have lived in hostility for half their lives , contending for selfish objects , will suddenly combine their powers to attain a common end , and work together like the most true-hearted friends , so long as they see a chance of effecting their wishes . If honesty were only one-half as active as roguery , it would fare better than it does . But the honest man has his scruples ; his self-respect ; his consistency , and , most of all , his principles , to mark out his course , and he can not turn aside at each new impulse , like your pure knave , to convert enemies into friends , and friends into enemies . And you , '' turning to Josh Brigham , who was looking surlily on -- `` who have actually been eating Hugh Littlepage 's bread , what has he done , that you should come at midnight , to burn him up like a caterpillar in the spring ? '' `` He has had his farm long enough '' -- muttered the fellow -- `` It 's time that poor folks had some chance . '' My uncle shrugged his shoulders ; then , as if he suddenly recollected himself , he lifted his hat , bowed like a thoroughbred gentleman as he was , when he chose to be , wished Seneca good-night , and walked away . As we retired , he expressed his conviction of the uselessness of remonstrance , in this case , and of the necessity of suffering the law to take its own course .