twelve o'clock
Upon my word , if I had my will o ' the awd witch , I would douk her in the Reed till she confessed that every story she has tould to thee was a lie from end to end . '' `` Well , father , '' said Patrick -- for he always called Sandy father -- `` let Anne accompany us to the fair -- she requests it , and I will also request it for her . '' `` Ou , ye knaw , '' said Sandy , `` if ye hae made up yer minds between yourselves that ye are determined to gang , I suppose it would be o ' no use for me to offer opposition to owther o ' the two o ' ye . So , if thou wilt go , get thee ready , Anne , my dear , for it will take us to be off frae here by twelve o'clock t ` night , for it is a lang ride , and a rugged ride , as thou wilt find it to thy cost , ere ye be back again . I was never there for my own part ; but I hear that the sale o ' feeding cattle is expected to be gud -- and there I maun be . So , get thee ready , daughter , if ye will go , and hap thysel ' weel up . '' At midnight , Sandy Reed , his daughter , and his adopted son , with three or four farm-servants , all mounted on light , but strong and active horses , accustomed to the character of the country , set out for Whitsome fair .