midnight
Tom and his sister would be penniless . It was late , yet we sat for nearly an hour longer , and I do n't think we exchanged a half-dozen sentences in all that time . Craig seemed absorbed in thought . At length , as the great hall-clock sounded midnight , we rose as if by common consent . `` Tom , '' said Craig , and I could feel the sympathy that welled up in his voice , `` Tom , old man , I 'll get at the bottom of this mystery if human intelligence can do it . '' `` I know you will , Craig , '' responded Tom , grasping each of us by the hand . `` That 's why I so much wanted you fellows to come up here . ''