midnight
I was afeared , though , that the squealing of the hogs would wake ye . ' '' `` The relief was so sudden , that I could hardly refrain from putting my arms round the old woman 's neck , and confessing all my unjust suspicions , but the fear of hurting her feelings prevented . With a tranquil mind I again climbed the ladder , and sought my humble bed , and was soon in such a sound slumber , that even the squealing of the hogs , in their dying agonies , failed to rouse me . '' `` Seen by the morning light , as we were seated around the breakfast table , these midnight robbers and murderers of my fancy appeared a family of honest , hardy New Englanders , who had bought a tract of land in Western Virginia . They showed us , at a little distance , a clearing where they were just erecting a larger and more comfortable log dwelling ; and the old woman assured us that if we would stop and visit them , if we ever passed that way again , we should not have to climb a ladder , for they were going to have a ` reg ` lar stairway in t ` other house . ' '' `` When the time came for parting with our kind hosts , and we offered to remunerate them for their trouble , they rejected the proffered money almost with scorn . '' '' ` No , no , ' said the old man , ` we have n't got quite so low as that yet ; and I hope that I nor none of mine will ever come to taking pay for a night 's lodging from a traveller .