midnight
He never failed her ; he was a brother , truly -- the best , the cheeriest , the most loyal in the world . Rouletta was amazed to realize what a part in her life the French Canadian had played . His sincere affection was about the biggest thing that had come to her , so it seemed . Occupied with such comforting thoughts , Rouletta failed to note that the evening had passed more quickly than usual and that it was after midnight . When she did realize that fact , she wondered what could have detained Lucky Broad . Promptness was a habit with him ; he and Bridges usually reported at least a half-hour ahead of time . She caught sight of the pair , finally , through the wide archway , and saw that they were surrounded by an excited crowd , a crowd that grew swiftly as some whisper , some intelligence , spread with electric rapidity through the barroom .