midnight
`` That and other things . '' `` An object-compass is a needle of specially-treated copper , so activated that it points always toward one certain object , after being once set upon it . Seaton undoubtedly has one upon me ; but , sensitive as they are , they ca n't hold on a mass as small as a man at this distance . That was why we left at midnight , after he had gone to bed -- so that we 'd be out of range before he woke up . I wanted to lose him , as he might interfere if he knew where I was going . Now I 'll go back to the beginning and tell you the whole story . '' * * * * * Tersely , but vividly , he recounted the tale of the interstellar cruise , the voyage of the _ Skylark of Space _ .