midnight
Billy 's pain was heart-rending to Saxon . An hour was required to subdue him to a doze , and only by continuously stroking his forehead could she keep him asleep . Shivering and miserable , she accepted a night of wakefulness gladly with the knowledge that she kept him from knowing the worst of his pain . At the time when she had decided it must be past midnight , there was an interruption . From the open doorway came a flash of electric light , like a tiny searchlight , which quested about the barn and came to rest on her and Billy . From the source of light a harsh voice said : `` Ah ! ha !