midnight
I will light my lantern , however , and go out . Perhaps I may meet him . '' Mother Graymouse went home somewhat comforted and laden with a pocketful of good things which Granny sent the children from the pantry shelves . Grand-daddy Whiskers and Uncle Squeaky searched all that evening , flashing their lanterns into every dark corner , but at midnight they had to tell Mother Graymouse that no trace of Limpy-toes was to be found . Poor Mammy cried and cried . All night long she wondered which enemy had captured her oldest son . Could it be old Thomas Cat ?