midnight
I do n't mind leaving the court without a stain on my character . You do mind perhaps leaving the court with a bad set-back in your career . '' The solid inspector for the first time looked at the blacksmith with a lively eye ; as did everybody else , except the short , strange priest , who was still looking down at the little hammer that had dealt the dreadful blow . `` There are two men standing outside this shop , '' went on the blacksmith with ponderous lucidity , `` good tradesmen in Greenford whom you all know , who will swear that they saw me from before midnight till daybreak and long after in the committee room of our Revival Mission , which sits all night , we save souls so fast . In Greenford itself twenty people could swear to me for all that time . If I were a heathen , Mr. Inspector , I would let you walk on to your downfall . But as a Christian man I feel bound to give you your chance , and ask you whether you will hear my alibi now or in court . ''