midnight
He understood the language of the searching look Mr. Dinsmore gave him and seized the first opportunity for a word in private , to vindicate himself . `` Uncle , '' he said with frank sincerity , `` I am not free to tell you everything , as I could wish , but I hope you will believe me when I assure you that I never had any share in the violent doings of the Ku Klux , and never will . '' Mr. Dinsmore bent upon him a second look of keen scrutiny . Conly bore it without flinching ; and extending his hand , his uncle replied , `` I think I understand the situation : but I will trust you , Cal , and not fear that in entertaining you here I am harboring a hypocrite and spy who may betray my family and myself into the hands of midnight assassins . '' `` Thanks , uncle , you shall never have cause to repent of your confidence , '' the lad answered with a flush of honest pride . He returned to Roselands the next day , and went directly to an upper room , at some distance from those usually occupied by the family , from whence came the busy hum of a sewing machine . The door was securely fastened on the inner side , but opened immediately in response to three quick , sharp taps of a pencil which Calhoun took from his pocket .