about midnight
Jack soon returned , to report that the coast was clear , and that both assistants were in the room . `` Gales is reading Shakespeare , and Hall is manicuring his nails , '' the spy reported . `` But it 's too early yet . Let 's go take a stroll and about midnight will be the right time . We can hide in the bushes opposite the room and hear 'em call for help . Then we can rush up and pretend we came to the rescue . That will be a good excuse in case we 're caught watching the game . ''