midnight
When it was on the edge of the horizon , striking long golden lines through the interstices of the woods , Hannah grew rather anxious , and she spoke up : `` It seems to me , Reuben , that we have come ten miles since we saw a house or a farm . '' `` Yes , my dear . We are now in the midst of the old forest of Prince George 's , and our home is yet about five miles off . But do n't be afraid , Hannah , woman ; you have got me with you , and we will get home before midnight . '' `` I am only thinking of the runaway negroes , Reuben ; they all take refuge in these thick woods , you know ; and they are a very desperate gang ; their hands against everybody and everybody 's hands against them , you may say . '' `` True , Hannah ; they are desperate enough , for they have everything to fear and nothing to hope , in a meeting with most of the whites ; but there is no danger to us , child . '' `` I do n't know ; they murdered a harmless peddler last winter , and attacked a peaceable teamster this spring . ''