midnight
`` I thought that was finished , '' Tolliver answered slowly , `` when I kicked him out , when I told him I 'd punish him if he bothered you again . And I -- I was a little ashamed to complain to the superintendent about that . Do n't you worry about Joe , Sally , I 'll talk to him now , before I let him out of the tower . He 's due to relieve me again at midnight , and I 'll be home then . '' He put on his great coat . He pulled his cap over his ears . The child spoke in a high , apprehensive voice .