midnight
It was often in such companionship he forgot all else . He was that kind of a man . But he came to his feet on the instant with the knock , and was ready to go out on any errand of mercy that was needing him . It was not an unusual thing for a knock to come interrupting his midnight devotions . Sometimes the call would be to go far out on the mountain to some one who was in distress , or dying . The minister swung the door wide and peered into the night pleasantly almost as if to welcome an unexpected guest . In the sudden flood of the porch light his face was illumined , and behind him the pretty living room gave a sweet homely setting .