midnight
These disputes between them were well known in the neighborhood . Few of the country people passing the house at night but had overheard the old man 's weak , reedy voice , and Peter 's deep , hoarse one , in altercation . When at last -- it was on a Sunday night -- all was still and quiet in the house , -- not a word , not a footstep , could be heard , no more than if it were uninhabited , -- the neighbors looked knowingly at each other , and wondered if the old man was worse -- if he was dead ! It was a little after midnight that a knock came to the door of our cabin . I heard it first , for I used to sleep in a little snug basket near the fire ; but I did n't speak , for I was frightened . It was repeated still louder , and then came a cry , `` Con Cregan ! Con , I say , open the door !