midnight
`` The idea is , '' he mused , `` I 'm a candidate for the presidency of the Vose line at to-morrow 's meeting . But I have n't been elected yet ! '' However , Mr. Fogg 's preliminary sniffing at the affairs of the Vose line had informed him where he could pick up at least ten scattered shares of their stock . He figured that before midnight he would have them in his possession . As to the next day and the next steps , well , the nerve of a real American plunger clings to life until the sunset of all hopes , even as the snake 's tail , though the serpent 's head be bruised beyond repair , is supposed to wriggle until sunset . He despatched a telegram at New Haven . He received a reply at Providence , and he read it and felt like a gambler who has drawn a card to fill his bobtail hand .