midnight
Meanwhile we return to the house which Phil had forsaken , and inquire what effect was produced by his non-appearance . It was the rule of the establishment that all the boys should be back by midnight . Phil had generally returned an hour before that time . When , therefore , it was near midnight , the padrone looked uneasily at the clock . `` Have you seen Filippo ? '' he asked , addressing his nephew . `` No , signore , '' answered Pietro .