midnight
`` Talk to-morrow , '' he said ; `` all day ; nothing else to do . '' He promptly enforced his decision by retiring to his own bunk , leaving the shepherd to follow his example . But not until the doctor was sure that his friend was sleeping soundly did he permit himself to sink into unconsciousness . It was just past midnight , when the shepherd was aroused by the doctor striking a match to light the lamp . As he awoke , he heard Pete 's voice , `` Where is Dad ? Pete wants Dad . '' Dr. Coughlan , thinking it some strange freak of the boy 's disordered brain , and not wishing to break his friend 's much needed rest , was trying in low tones to persuade the boy to wait until morning .