midnight
`` Because , '' said the preacher , `` Man was created free . Freedom is his birthright , even though he be born in a prison , and in chains . Hence , the noblest men are not satisfied with physical and political freedom ; they must also be free men in Christ Jesus ; for let me tell you , if men are slaves to sin and the devil , not all the Magna Chartas , nor all the swords in the world , can make them truly free . '' And thus they talked until the moon set and the last light was out in the cabins , and the ` after midnight ' feeling became plainly evident . Then Phyllis brought out a dish that looked very like walnut shells , but which all welcomed . They were preserved bears ' paws . `` Eat , '' she said , `` for though it is the last hour we may meet in this life , we must sleep now . ''