midnight
`` Better to bide quiet for a night at present than be laid up for days later on , '' was the Scotsman 's response . `` But you can set your mind easy-like . The time will no ' be lost , for Haggis and me will set oot on a wee scouting expedition to the place where we found yon hanky . We 'll be back by midnight . '' This plan was a relief to the boys ' minds , for though it entailed a certain delay in the forward journey , the result of the scouting might curtail matters in the long-run . Mackintosh 's report might enable them to make more definite plans than were possible at present . So , after a few preparations for the journey , the two men set off , accompanied by the faithful Bannock , early in the afternoon .