midnight
But they came out safely , and got him into the wagon , where a mattress was in readiness . The doctor heaved a sigh of relief when the business was done . So they took him home , the grey horses pulled into a slow walk , while Jim and Norah rode ahead to find the smoothest track . It was past midnight when the lights of the homestead came into view ; but everywhere Billabong was up . The men were round the open gate of the yard , from Andy Ferguson , the tears running unheeded down his old face , to Lee Wing , for once without his wide benevolent smile , and in the background Lal Chunder 's dark face . Beyond them was Mrs. Brown , with the pale-faced girls behind her . There were a score of willing hands to bring David Linton into his home .