midnight
Upon reading this note he saw it would frighten her , and keep her in agony of suspense , therefore he tore it up , and rushing out of the house leaped into the saddle . The spirited little broncho was fresh and mettlesome , and went off in a series of sheeplike bounds which her rider seemed not to notice . He drew rein at the telegraph office , and there sent three telegrams . They were all alike : `` Meet me at the office at midnight . Important . '' As he turned Susanna 's head up the trail the mountains stood deep purple silhouettes against the cloudlessness of the sky . The wind blew from the heights cool and fragrant , and the little horse set nostril to it as if she anticipated and welcomed the hard ride .