midnight
Yes , there was the upward path . She struck into it , praying that friend and houses might meet her soon . Meanwhile it seemed that nothing moved in the world but she . It was on the stroke of midnight when the message from Braeside was handed to Mr. Helbeck by the sleepy station-master , who had been dragged by that gentleman 's urgency from his first slumbers in the neat cottage beside the line . The master of Bannisdale thrust the slip of paper into his pocket , and stood an instant with bent head , as though reflecting . `` Thank you , Mr. Brough , '' he said at last . `` I will not ask you to do anything more .