about midnight
`` Old Philander Sniff -- '' began Noreen 's chant as she slipped from her chair intent upon a doll by the hearthside . Mary-Clare took no notice of her but nodded to Jan-an . `` And then , '' the girl went on , `` I went in to Peneluna and told her and then we et and went to bed . Long about midnight , I guess , there was a yell ! '' Jan-an lost her breath and paused , then rushed along : `` He 'd raised his winder and after all the keeping still , he called for Peneluna to come . '' Mary-Clare visualized the dramatic scene that poor Jan-an was mumbling monotonously . `` And she went !