midnight
If you shut your eyes for a minute you could n't believe that any one present had ever worn a uniform . I learned afterward that there was quite a little competition to get into that mess . After dinner most of them trooped out again , to dance with Zionist ladies at an institute affair . But he and I stayed , and talked until midnight . Before I left , the key of Palestine and Syria was in my hands . `` You seem interested , '' he said , coming with me to the door . `` If you do n't mind rough spots now and then , I 'll try to show you a few things at first hand . ''