midnight
The _ Ariel _ is the only vehicle in existence that could possibly reach the frontier of Siberia in the given time , and it is fitting that her first duty should be the rescue of the Angel of the Revolution from the clutches of the Tyrant of the North . `` Alexis Mazanoff , it is the will of the Master that you shall take these instructions to Richard Arnold and accompany him on the voyage in order to show him what course to steer , and assist him in every way possible . You will find the Chief 's yacht at Port Patrick ready to convey you to Drumcraig Island . When you have heard what is further necessary for you to hear , you will take the midnight express from Euston . Have you any preparations to make ? '' `` No , '' replied Mazanoff , or Colston , to call him by a name more familiar to the reader . `` I can start in half an hour if necessary , and on such an errand you may , of course , depend on me not to lose much time .