midnight
On the way back I shot a brace of guillemots . When I came in to the quay the blacksmith was there at work . A thought occurred to me ; I asked him : `` Going up my way ? '' `` No , '' said he , `` Herr Mack 's given me a bit of work to do here that 'll keep me till midnight . '' I nodded , and thought to myself that it was well . I took my fish and went off , going round by way of the blacksmith 's house . Eva was there alone .