midnight
Drive up , Bill ! '' With a perseverance that spoke well for the detective 's endurance , but ill for his intelligence , the `` bob '' sped along aimlessly . It was ridiculous to think of tracking a sleigh over a well-travelled road , and it was not until they reached the cross-roads that Harry Squires suggested that inquiries be made of the farmers in the neighbourhood . After diligent effort , a farmer was discovered who said he had heard the sleigh bells at midnight , and , peering from his window , had caught a glimpse of the party turning south at the cross-roads . `` Jest as I thought ! '' exclaimed Anderson . `` They went south so 's to skip Boggs City .