midnight
`` Is it quite prudent for Margaret to be going about so ? '' queried Mr. Slocum . `` She is perfectly safe , '' said Richard , -- `` as safe as a Sister of Charity , which she is . '' Indeed , Margaret might then have gone loaded with diamonds through the streets at midnight . There was not a rough man in Stillwater who would not have reached forth an arm to shield her . `` It is costing me nearly as much as it would to carry on the yard , '' said Mr. Slocum , `` but I never put out any stamps more willingly . '' `` You never took a better contract , sir , than when you agreed to keep Margaret 's basket filled .