midnight
Barbara insisted she was better with each step , but Mollie knew otherwise . With every foot of ground they covered Bab limped more and more painfully . Now and then when her injured foot pressed too heavily on the rough ground , she caught her breath and swallowed a groan . Mollie realized they would not get home before midnight at the rate they were now moving . `` Rest here , Bab , '' she insisted , when they came to an opening in the woods where the shade was less dense . `` I think I see a place over there that must lead into a road . I will run on ahead and find some one to come back to help you . ''