midnight
It was always sufficient to say , in answer to Eddie 's petitions , `` I would rather you would not do it '' -- meaning swimming , skating , picnicking , berrying , circusing , and all sorts of things which boys delight in . But _ no _ answer was sufficient for Georgie ; he had to be humored in his desires , or he would carry them with a high hand . Naturally , no boy got more swimming skating , berrying , and so forth than he ; no body ever had a better time . The good Brants did not allow the boys to play out after nine in summer evenings ; they were sent to bed at that hour ; Eddie honorably remained , but Georgie usually slipped out of the window toward ten , and enjoyed himself until midnight . It seemed impossible to break Georgie of this bad habit , but the Brants managed it at last by hiring him , with apples and marbles , to stay in . The good Brants gave all their time and attention to vain endeavors to regulate Georgie ; they said , with grateful tears in their eyes , that Eddie needed no efforts of theirs , he was so good , so considerate , and in all ways so perfect . By and by the boys were big enough to work , so they were apprenticed to a trade : Edward went voluntarily ; George was coaxed and bribed .