midnight
The colonel , seriously disquieted , had a few words of earnest talk with him before leaving the post , cautioning him so particularly not to interfere with any of the established details and customs that Buxton got very much annoyed , and showed it . `` If your evidence were not imperatively necessary before this court , I declare I believe I 'd leave you behind , '' said the colonel to his adjutant . `` There is no telling what mischief Captain Buxton wo n't do if left to himself . '' It must have been near midnight , and the hop was going along beautifully , and Captain Rayner , who was officer of the day , was just escorting his wife in to supper , and Nellie , although looking a trifle tired and pale , was chatting brightly with a knot of young officers when a corporal of the guard came to the door : `` The commanding officer 's compliments , and he desires to see the officer of the day at once . '' There was a general laugh . `` Is n't that Buxton all over ? The colonel would never think of sending for an officer in the dead of night , except for a fire or alarm ; but old Bux .