midnight
Humphrey then went out to harness the pony , and when all was ready , he and Oswald set off again . When they arrived at the pit-fall they found Corbould lying between the two other verderers , who were sitting by his side . Corbould was much recovered since his wound had been bound up , and he was raised up and put on the fodder which Humphrey had put into the cart , and they proceeded on their journey to the other side of the forest , the verderers eating what Humphrey had brought for them as they walked along . It was a tedious and painful journey for the wounded man , who shrieked out when the cart was jolted by the wheel getting into a rut or hole ; but there was no help for it , and he was very much exhausted when they arrived , which was not till past midnight . Corbould was then taken to his cottage and put on the bed , and another verderer sent for a surgeon : those who had been with Oswald were glad to go to bed , for it had been a fatiguing day . Humphrey remained with Oswald for three hours , and then again returned with Billy , who , although he had crossed the forest three times in the twenty-four hours , appeared quite fresh and ready to go back again . `` I will let you know how he gets on , Humphrey , and what account he gives of his falling into the pit ; but you must not expect me for a fortnight at least . ''