midnight
I wo n't stand for it . '' Old Hicks grumbled and hobbled away to his black kettle , while the others ate their supper in silence . But , somehow , the meal was far from satisfying , and one by one they rose from the table , leaving plates half filled , and strolled away to spend the evening as best they could until bedtime . Ned and the foreman remained up , for they were to go out at midnight and take their trick at watching over the herd . `` I 've just got an idea , '' said the foreman , calling Ned to him . `` Yes ; what is it ? '' `` I 'm going to put some one on the herd in my place and ride over to Groveland .