midnight
When he first realized how near he was to the starting point of his long journey , a rosy light in the east told of the coming sun , and he marveled that the night had gone so quickly . Half an hour later , as the knowledge of distance traversed brought with it weariness , and he was about to seek a thicket where his slumbers would not be disturbed , a noise as of some one approaching brought him to a full stop . In another instant he recognized the form of his friend , Stephen Kidder , in the distance , and he ran toward him , crying , -- `` What brings you here at this hour , Stephen ? '' `` I left home at midnight to meet you . '' `` Meet me ? It would have been easier to have waited I there until I arrived . '' `` It is to prevent your arrival that I have come , '' and Stephen had very much the appearance of a bearer of evil tidings .