midnight
`` I 'll just step into the next room , gentlemen , and will be subject to your call at any moment . '' The bulk lifted itself and moved some paces toward Halleck ; Bartley even raised his hand , with the vague expectation of taking Halleck 's , but seeing no responsive gesture on his part , he waved a salutation and dropped it again to his side . `` How d' ye do , Halleck ? Rather a secret , black , and midnight interview , '' he said jocosely . `` But I could n't very well manage it otherwise . I 'm _ not _ just in the position to offer you the freedom of the city . '' `` What do you want , Hubbard ? ''