midnight
Jake made Empty come into the house . `` We 're goin ' to have something to eat , '' he told him , `` an ' I know you always shine when there 's any grub around . '' Mrs. Jukes was in bed , but it did not take Jake long to light the kitchen fire , boil some water , and prepare a pot of tea . This , with bread and jam from the pantry , formed their midnight repast , and when they were through Jake pushed back his chair and lighted his pipe . `` Great punkins ! '' he exclaimed , bringing his big fist down upon the table with a bang . `` I would n't a ' missed that racket to-night fer anything .