midnight
He is as full of tricks as a dog of fleas . '' I repeated the story briefly , for I was now eager to be away before De Croix could dress and claim his wager . I knew well the conceited coxcomb would never seek the presence of Mademoiselle until he had shed the rags he wore on entering the Fort . I remember yet that throng of faces , anxious yet amused , peering over each other 's shoulders to get a better view of me as I talked , and constantly augmented as the word passed quickly about the garrison that we had safely returned from our midnight adventures . `` You will send aid to him ? '' I questioned , as I concluded , my eyes fixed appealingly upon Captain Heald . `` Not I , '' was the prompt and decisive rejoinder .