midnight
I think we all got a little nervous as the afternoon school wore on and the hour for departing approached . Indeed , when we were about to start , Bates looked very like deserting straight away . `` Oh , you three go on , '' he said , `` I 'll catch you up ; I just want to speak to Jenny . '' `` No we do n't , '' we all protested ; `` we 'll wait here , if it takes you till midnight to say what you 've got to say to Jenny . '' This valiant determination put an end to Bates 's wavering , and with a rueful face he joined us . `` Now , mind , '' said Rasper , `` the first you see ! '' `` Well , '' exclaimed I , starting suddenly to run , `` that 's Cad Prog , the butcher-boy , there ; come along . ''