midnight
`` No , sir , I was not , '' said Richard , to whom the ridicule of Mr. Presby and uncle Obed was more terrible than any punishment he could receive for his misdeeds . `` I am glad to see you have some honesty left in your composition . You acknowledge the deception , and we will let the farce end here . You have become a thief and a midnight incendiary . I have been weak and indulgent towards you . My eyes are opened , and I shall pursue a different course . '' Mr. Grant 's lip trembled with emotion as he spoke .