twelve
o'clock
That road had acquired new branches during the past year , and was becoming a big system of itself . There was talk about a consolidation with another line , which might enable the road to arrange for traffic clear to the Pacific . New splendid train service was talked of everywhere , among the workmen , and every ambitious railroader was looking for a handsome and substantial promotion . Ralph could not tell until he reported at the roundhouse after twelve o'clock when and how he would start out again . On the Bridgeport run he was not due until the next morning . All he was sure of was that he and Fogg were regulars for No. 999 wherever that locomotive was assigned , until further orders interfered . Despite the successful record run to Bridgeport , somebody was listed for at least a `` call-down '' on account of the accident on the siding at Plympton .