midnight
How familiar that sounded ! For I have been at sea a good deal and have heard that remark from captains with a frequency accordingly . We framed in our minds the usual resolution of thanks and admiration and gratitude , and took the first opportunity to vote it , and put it in writing and present it to the captain , with the customary speech . We tramped through the darkness and the drenching summer rain full three miles , and reached `` The Naturalist Tavern '' in the village of Hirschhorn just an hour before midnight , almost exhausted from hardship , fatigue , and terror . I can never forget that night . The landlord was rich , and therefore could afford to be crusty and disobliging ; he did not at all like being turned out of his warm bed to open his house for us . But no matter , his household got up and cooked a quick supper for us , and we brewed a hot punch for ourselves , to keep off consumption .