midnight
I loaded my gun with the pearl and a sufficient quantity of powder to send the charge through every one of the ducks if , perchance , the first duck were properly hit . To pass over wearisome details , let me say that it happened just as I expected . I had one week and six days to wait , but finally the critical moment came . It was at midnight , but fortunately the moon was at the full , and I could see as plainly as though it had been day . The moment the ducks were in line I aimed and fired . They every one squawked , turned over , and died . My pearl had pierced the whole sixty-eight . ''