midnight
Entrance then was the least difficulty . The tramp , however , was not quite easy in his mind . He did n't care for the two boys , but he glanced with apprehension at the reclining figure of the tall gaunt Yankee , who was thin but wiry , and possessed of more than ordinary physical strength . `` If he should tackle me , '' thought the midnight visitor with a shudder , `` it would be all up with me . He could shake the life out of me . '' But the stake was a valuable one -- it would in all probability make him comfortable for life , if judiciously husbanded -- and Obed 's slumber seemed so profound that there appeared to be no risk . Nevertheless the tramp trembled , and his heart was in his mouth as he stealthily got in through the open window , and moved toward the nugget , or what he supposed to be such .