midnight
The afternoon waned at last , and the children turned their steps homeward . `` I wonder whether mammie 's comed home ; we 'll catch it if she has , '' said Melie apprehensively . `` Do n't you be a bothering of your head about that , '' replied Mattie sharply , turning upon the child , who was lagging behind with her little sister . `` Mammie 's safe enough , I 'll be bound , somewheres till midnight , and she 'll be too dead drunk when she comes in to do anything but tumble into a corner like a pig ; that 's a mercy ! '' Melie looked cheered at the information , and trudged on bravely . Just as they were about to enter their dingy court , Bob caught sight of a man who was walking slowly down the road with a placard in front of him and another behind . `` Mattie , just look at that funny man , '' he exclaimed .