midnight
You need not look so frightened . I am not going to shoot you , nor anybody you ought to care for . '' `` I should like to understand , however , '' observed the pastor . `` It is unusual for ladies to employ fire-arms , I believe , except in apprehension of the midnight thief : and I am not aware of any danger from burglars in these islands . '' `` Why no , '' replied the lady . `` We have no great temptation to offer to burglars ; and nothing to lose worth the waste of powder and bullet . '' `` Then , if I may ask -- '' `` O yes ; you may ask what I want the pistol for .