midnight
He controlled himself , and sauntered along , so that the people should think he was taking washing to the laundrywoman ; but he could only keep it up as far as the first turning ; then he started off as fast as he could go . He was homesick . A few street-boys yelled and threw stones after him , but that did n't matter , so long as he only got away ; he was insensible to everything but the remorse and homesickness that filled his heart . It was past midnight when he at last reached the outbuildings of Stone Farm . He was breathless , and had a stitch in his side . He leaned against the ruined forge , and closed his eyes , the better to recover himself . As soon as he had recovered his breath , he entered the cowshed from the back and made for the herdsman 's room .