midnight
It would never occur to Joe Harris to seek his runaways in such a spot -- he probably did not know of its existence -- and the dwarf did not believe that the landlord would take any part in the chase . He surmised , and correctly too , that such a shrewd person would prefer to ignore the claims of friendship to running the risk of bringing the Traveller 's Delight under the notice of the authorities , or mixing himself up with what might turn out to be an awkward business . For what seemed to the watching Bambo a very long time lights continued to burn within the house , while now and again a burst of noisy laughter broke the silence of the night , rising discordantly above the steady , persistent pitter-patter , pitter-patter , drip , drip , drip of the soft , thick autumn rain . At length the darkness and stillness of midnight held the homestead in possession . Even the rain had ceased to fall ; not a sound was to be heard except the dwarf 's hoarse , laboured breaths and the gentle , regular breathing of the sleeping children . Gradually and cautiously Bambo awoke Darby . For a minute or two the little fellow could not make out where he was ; but in a few hurried whispered sentences the dwarf made him understand how near and how dire was the danger which threatened them -- how absolutely needful it was for them to be quick , and to be wary in their attempt if they meant to escape .