midnight
He knew that some day Madge and Phyllis Alden would find out why David had been tempted to fight . Harry Sears had no desire to recount his own unsuccessful attempt to act the part of `` Paul Pry , '' so Harry and Jack had gone on to join Tom Curtis and George Robinson , and the four boys were to come on to the houseboat party in a few days . David Brewster knew that whatever he had to do must be done quickly . So he borrowed a horse and cart from Mr. Preston a day or so after Miss Betsey 's midnight talk with Madge and Phyllis . He did not explain what he wished with the horse . However , his host asked no questions , for Mr. Preston had entire faith in the boy . Madge happened to be in the yard as David drove out from the stable .