midnight
`` And if we should start from the back of the hut , traveling in a straight line , we should come to it ? '' `` Yes ; there would be no difficulty about that . '' `` Then I propose that we simply go out through the back window , unless Newcombe has sufficient wits about him to station one of his men there . We can , by making two trips , carry enough glycerine to shoot the well in good style , and by midnight we should be all ready for the work . '' The plan was so simple , and with so many elements of success about it , that Bob 's audience testified to their appreciation of it by vigorous applause , which must have mystified the worthy Mr. Newcombe considerably . `` In an hour from now we can begin work . Ralph , who might possibly have some compunctions about carrying a couple of cans of glycerine through the woods , where to strike one against a tree might result in his immediate departure from the world , shall carry the cartridges .