midnight
`` I always go over to the crossing switch shanty about twelve o'clock to eat my lunch . The old switchman lends me his night key . I put my lunch in on the bench when I come on duty , and he always leaves the stove full of splinters to warm up the coffee quick . When I let myself in at midnight , the lantern here was right as a beacon -- I particularly noticed it . '' `` How long was it before you came out again ? '' `` Four hours afterwards -- just a little while ago . '' `` Then you -- fell asleep ? ''