eight o'clock
`` Get together ten of our best men , '' he directed , `` and put them into two automobiles . When they are ready to start , report to me . '' The lieutenant saluted , and left the room . `` According to the code message , the robbers wo n't be at Hicks Bridge much before eight o'clock , which is after dark these days , '' said the chief . `` We 'll get there a lot earlier than that , and I 'll conceal my men in the woods . Then I 'll leave orders here to stop the motor truck as it comes through , and replace its crew with a few picked men from my force . When the robbers try to hold up that truck , they 'll have a big surprise in store for them . ''