midnight
The Yarraman sale-yards for cattle and sheep were near Waddy too , and brought dusty drovers and droughty stockmen in crowds to the town ship every Tuesday . These men were indiscreet and indiscriminate drinkers , and often a vagrant was left behind to finish a spree that surrounded him with unheard-of reptiles and strange kaleidoscopic animals unknown to the zoologist . It must be admitted , too , that Joel Ham , B.A. , was in a measure responsible for the boys ' unlawful knowledge . Twice at holiday times , when he was not restricted at the Drovers ' Arms , he had continued his libations until it was necessary for his own good and the peace of the place to tie him down in his bunk and set a guard over him ; and on one of these occasions he had created much excitement by rushing through the township at midnight , scantily clad , under the impression that he was being pursued by a tall dark gentleman in a red cloak and possessed of both horns and hoofs . It was nearly nine o'clock that night when the four conspirators met to carry out their nefarious project . Dick was carrying a bag -- in which was the joey -- a bull 's - eye lantern , various coloured feathers , and other small necessaries , and the party hastened in the direction of Mr. Ham 's humble residence . Ham was ` a hatter ' -- he lived alone in a secluded place on the other side of the quarries .