midnight
`` On their return to their old home across the state the Elders took the little quail girl with them . It was November then , and the canals through which they traveled were clogged with ice . One night , having been ferried across the Mohawk River , they took their baggage and walked for miles before they could find shelter . Finally , when they were within three miles of their home , Elder Calvin shortened the way by going across the open fields through the snow , up and down the hills and through the gullies and over fences , till they reached the house at midnight , safe and sound , the brave little quail girl having trudged beside them the whole distance , carrying her tin pail . '' Sue was transported with interest , her lips parted , her eyes shining , her hands clasped . `` Oh , I wish I could be a brave little quail girl , Mardie ! What became of her ? ''