midnight
He knew that his wife sadly needed the money , and that his two little children were absolutely suffering for want of clothing , and that morning he held a debate with the better part of himself , but the better part had become weak , and the demon of appetite carried the day . So away to the tavern Tom went , where , for two or three hours , he felt the exhilarating effects of the alcoholic draught , and fancied himself happy , as he could sing and laugh ; but , as usual , stupefaction followed , and the man died out . He drank while he could stand , and then lay down in a corner , where his companions left him . It was almost midnight , when the landlord 's wife came to the barroom to see what kept her husband up , and she quickly saw Tom . `` Peter , '' said she , not in a pleasant mood , `` why do n't you send that miserable Tom Darcy home ? He 's been hanging around here long enough . '' Tom 's stupefaction was not sound sleep .