midnight
Yet he was thankful for one thing -- thankful that his miserly old uncle had permitted him to continue at school . Standing high in his class meant something in Phil 's case , for the boy was obliged to work at whatever he could find to do after school hours , his uncle compelling him to contribute something to the household expenses every week . His duties done , Phil was obliged to study far into the night , under the flickering light of a tallow candle , because oil cost too much . Sometimes his candle burned far past the midnight hour , while he applied himself to his books that he might be prepared for the next day 's classes . Hard lines for a boy ? Yes . But Phil Forrest was not the lad to complain .