midnight
Frank walked with his lame pony to the ranch house . Here he found his chums in a fright because of his absence . They were afraid he had been caught in the mad stampede and ground under the hoofs of the steers . Mr. Mabie did not show up until long after midnight . The storm had passed away , and the sky cleared by that time . The boys were sitting up , waiting , none of them thinking of seeking his bed . `` Hello , Frank , my lad !