nearly midnight
Leonard , therefore , addressed himself to the drawer , and desired him to look after the piper , engaging to return before midnight to see how he went on . The drawer promising compliance , Leonard departed ; and not feeling disposed to continue his walk , returned to Wood-street . Nothing particular occurred during the evening . Leonard did not see Doctor Hodges , who was engaged in his professional duties ; and after keeping watch before the grocer 's till nearly midnight , he again retraced his steps to the Globe . The drawer was at the door , and about to close the house . `` You will be sorry to learn the fate of the poor piper , '' he said . `` Why , what has happened to him ? ''