midnight
Come . '' The man submitted . They went out and , locking the door , walked quickly and silently away . Many and anxious were the thoughts that chased each other through the busy brain of our hero during that dreary midnight walk . Before it was ended , he had almost resolved upon a plan of action , which was further matured while he prepared a can of strong hot coffee for poor Jacob Buckley . `` This is how the matter stands , '' he said to Captain Samson next morning , during a private conversation , while Buckley and the others were at breakfast in the tent . `` I , who am not a teetotaller , and who last night became a gambler , have pledged myself to do what I can to save Jacob Buckley from drink and gaming .