midnight
This the old man harshly refused ; but he directed Muso to a certain hamlet , in the valley adjoining where lodging and food could be obtained . Muso found his way to the hamlet , which consisted of less than a dozen farm-cottages ; and he was kindly received at the dwelling of the headman . Forty or fifty persons were assembled in the principal apartment , at the moment of Muso 's arrival ; but he was shown into a small separate room , where he was promptly supplied with food and bedding . Being very tired , he lay down to rest at an early hour ; but a little before midnight he was roused from sleep by a sound of loud weeping in the next apartment . Presently the sliding-screens were gently pushed apart ; and a young man , carrying a lighted lantern , entered the room , respectfully saluted him , and said : -- `` Reverend Sir , it is my painful duty to tell you that I am now the responsible head of this house . Yesterday I was only the eldest son . But when you came here , tired as you were , we did not wish that you should feel embarrassed in any way : therefore we did not tell you that father had died only a few hours before .