midnight
By the way , Throppy , did you raise the cutter before the captain smashed your instrument ? '' `` Do n't know , '' answered Stevens . `` I was so busy calling for help that I did n't wait for any reply . '' `` We 'll know before midnight , '' said Jim . `` Take Parsons 's automatic , Perce , and come along with Budge and myself . Throppy , you stay here with Filippo and help guard these fellows . '' He glanced at the sullen three lying bound on the floor .