about
midnight
I 'll be worth a lade o ' coal to my mither ony gait . An ' syne ye can brak it till her . '' Without another word , Dow turned his horse , helped Alec into the cart , covered him with his coat and some straw , and strode away beside , not knowing whether he was walking in a dream , or in a real starry night . Alec fell fast asleep , and never waked till the cart stood still , about midnight , at his mother 's door . He started up . `` Lie still , Mr Alec , '' said Dow , in a whisper . `` The mistress 'll be in her bed .