midnight
The man looked at him curiously , said nothing , but went over to some others and began to whisper . A minute afterwards , Foster-father returning , found the children the centre of a little crowd eager in enquiry whence they came , whither they were going , and , ere he could get them safely to their quarters , the attention of the Captain of the Escort had been arrested , he came out frowning and fuming . `` We march again in an hour , '' he said angrily to Foster-father . `` On thy head be it if thou can ` st not keep thy young fighting cock in order -- ` twill be all over the town by midnight ! '' Foster-father did not often let his temper get the better of his prudence , but he could not resist saying mildly : `` Kingship is like the musk-bag , friend , that was broken at the royal child 's birth . It diffuses its perfume over the habitable world , and none can mistake it . '' The Captain of the Escort shrugged his shoulders .