midnight
There was to be a long and _ very exciting _ story to-night , so the Cubs bustled down to the Stable extra early , and were undressed before you could say `` Jack Robinson . '' In fact , Terry began to undress in the street , and was out in the Stable-yard in his night-shirt before Akela and the last Cub had got through the gate . `` Tell us a long , long , long one , '' begged the Cubs ; `` we are n't a bit sleepy . Let it last till midnight . '' `` I 'll tell as long as the candle lasts , '' said Akela , sticking a stump of candle on the ledge . The Cubs curled up , and the candle-light fell in a golden flicker on their ruddy , sunburnt faces . Fifteen pairs of eyes were fixed on Akela .