midnight
A rain-crow was calling softly from a willow tree , and the ripples murmured sorrowfully on the shore . Shawn touched Burney on the arm as they stood by the boat : `` Mr. Burney , there 's a Memphis packet due up here to-night . I do n't like to leave you , but I 'm goin ' home -- I 've just got to go . '' It was after midnight when the boat upon which Shawn took passage reached Skarrow . As they climbed the hill , Coaly instinctively turned toward Shawn 's home , but Shawn had determined to first visit old Brad and make inquiry as to the kind of welcome he might expect from his mother . He knocked gently on the door of old Brad 's cabin . `` Who dar ? ''