midnight
If the last is true , why should he want to go away in an airship at midnight ? Why could n't he take a train , or an auto ? '' `` Well , we do n't know all the ins and outs , '' admitted Tom . `` Taking a midnight airship ride is rather strange , but that may have been the only course open . We 'll have to let the explanation go until later . At any rate , Mrs. Damon , I feel sure that your husband did go off through the air -- either in my Eagle or in some other craft . '' `` Well , I 'm glad to hear you say so , Tom Swift , though it sounds a dreadful thing to say .