midnight
`` Perhaps it wo n't work , '' he mutttered , in a voice that sounded weak and discouraged . `` Oh , I think it will , '' answered Mombi , cheerfully . `` I seldom make a mistake . '' Again there was a period of silence a silence so long and gloomy that when Mombi finally lifted the kettle from the fire it was close to midnight . 27 Full page line-art drawing . `` I DO N'T WANT TO BE A MARBLE STATUE . '' `` You can not drink it until it has become quite cold , '' announced the old witch for in spite of the law she had acknowledged practising witchcraft .