midnight
`` It 's worse than wearing soup tureens for hats , '' said Sam . `` It 's almost as bad as swallowing thistle buttons , '' said Bill , and both sang loudly -- `` It 's worse than running in a fright , Pursued by Polar bears ; It 's worse than being caught at night By lions in their lairs . `` It 's worse than barrel organs when They play from night till morn ; It 's worse than having large-sized men A-standing on your corn . `` It 's worse than when at midnight you Tread on a silent cat , To have a puddin ' - snatcher who Will not remove his hat . '' `` All is not yet lost , '' said Bunyip Bluegum . `` Without reverting to violent measures , I will engage to have the hat removed . '' `` You will ? ''