His mood grew a little flat, even a little remorseful.

The joy of their great adventure ebbed a little.
However, he climbed down again to Louie, and found a dark elfish figure standing outside their den, and dancing with excitement.
'Wouldn't yo like to ketch us--wouldn't yo ?--wouldn't yo ?' screeched the child, beside herself.

She too had been watching, had seen the light vanish.
'Yo'll have t' parish up after yo if yo doan't howd your tongue,' said David roughly.
And creeping into their den he relit the lantern.

Then he pulled out a watch, borrowed from the same friend who had provided the lantern.

Past nine.