midnight
`` Why ? '' asked Chubbins . `` Well , we also fear some of the birds , '' answered Wisk . `` The lady in the third flat , for instance , Mrs. Hootaway , is said to like a squirrel for a midnight meal now and then , when mice and beetles are scarce . It is almost her hour for wakening , so I must be careful to keep near home . '' `` Tut -- tut -- tut ! '' cried a harsh voice from above .