about midnight
The next coon turned out to be a fat ` possum , and loud were the exclamations of joy on the part of Klem and his comrades when this fact was made plain . Indeed , Maurice believed he would not have taken any great stock in this method of hunting , which seemed so unfair to the game , only on account of the chances it gave the negroes for a square meal in the line of the greatest delicacies they knew . So the hunt went on for several hours . When about midnight they concluded to return to the house , seven coons and two ` possums were loaded upon the shoulders of the three attendants . And the dogs lagged behind , quite tired out with their exertions ; though ready to prick up their ears at ike slightest suspicious sound from the gloomy woods around them . `` How did you like it , Maurice , '' asked Thad later on , as they were getting ready for bed . `` Oh , it was an interesting experience , '' returned the other ; `` but I do n't know that I 'd give much to repeat the dose . ''