midnight
He 's just got away , '' said each officer to himself . `` She 's _ too _ calm . '' She scooped up a spoonful of the fruit , peered at it critically , splashed it back into the bubbling pot . From her manner it appeared the most natural thing in the world to be canning peaches at midnight on the top of South Mountain in the presence of officers of the State Police . `` My husband 's gone to Baltimore , '' she vouchsafed at her easy leisure . `` Let 's have a look in the cellar , '' said Merryfield , and dropped down the cellar stairs with Hallisey at his heels . Together they ransacked the little cave to a conclusion .