midnight
So we walked and walked again , poor I as sore as a pilgrim tramping up the Hill to Louth -- which I have many times seen in those parts -- with Shards in his shoes . Then it must come , forsooth , to more whistling ; and the same Play being over , we had one more Lantern to our Band , and one more Scurvy Companion as Black as a Flag , -LSB- K -RSB- who in their kennel Tongue was Mungo . And by and by we were joined by Surly , and Black Tom , and Grumps ; and so with these five Men , who were pleased to be called as the Beasts are , I stumbled along , tired , and drowsy , and famishing , and thinking my journey would never come to an end . Surely it must have been long past midnight when we made a halt ; and all the five lanterns being lit , and making so many dancing wheels of yellow , I found that we were still encircled by those tall trees with the twining arms . And Jowler -- for it is useless to speak of my conductor according to Human Rule -- gave me a rough pat on the shoulder , and bade me cheer up , for that I should have my supper very soon now . All five then joined in a whistle so sharp , so clear , and so well sustained , that it sounded well-nigh melodious ; and to this there came , after the lapse of a few seconds , the noise as of a little peevish Terrier barking . `` True as Touchwood , '' cried Black Jowler .