midnight
Though it was small and of an unromantic squareness , it seemed the center of a vast empire during the week which was now ending and they were sorry at the thought of leaving it . But at least the Alligator Patrol was started and , like the island itself , nothing could stop it . The night was chilly so they slept in the tent . So profound was their sleep that they did not hear the dipping oars of an approaching boat which came down the river after midnight . This boat was dilapidated and leaky but it was a vision of beauty compared to its occupants . These were none other than Slats Corbett , imperial head of Barrel Alley , and his official staff , consisting of Skinny Mattenburg and Spider McCurren . Such nocturnal excursions were not uncommon with them .