midnight
A few moments more convinced her that some persons were attempting to force an entrance . Instantly throwing a shawl around her , she hurried along the passage , the cat gliding by her side , purring now in evident contentment , to Lord -- 's bed-room door , where her knock was quickly answered , and an explanation given . The household was soon aroused ; bells were rung , lights flitted about , servants hurried here and there ; and persons watching from the windows distinctly saw several men making off with all speed , and scrambling over an adjacent wall . It was undoubtedly owing to the sagacity of the cat that the mansion was preserved from midnight robbery , and the inmates probably from some fearful outrage . She must have reasoned that the intruders had no business there ; whilst her reason and affection combined induced her to warn her best friend of the threatened danger . She may have feared , also , that any one else in the house would have driven her heedlessly away . My dear reader , may we not believe that this reasoning power was given to the dumb animal for the protection of the family against evil-doers ?