about eight o'clock
`` Take the stone to the Museum and tell them to place it where they can watch any one who takes any peculiar interest in it . Further , get a description of those men who were fighting there on the day the stones were stolen ; and do n't forget to post my letter to the Professor , for it contains a rubbing from the last piece . '' With these parting instructions Tom started on his ride to Gunjyal station so as to arrive there before dark , there being practically no road from the foot of the Salt Range across the miles of dismal tract of sandy plain to the station , although his train did not leave until midnight ; but it was the only train in the twenty-four hours . Tom was half-asleep when he got into the train ; he had the compartment to himself , and he thought it likely he would remain alone until he arrived at Lala Musa , about eight o'clock , where he would have to change to get on to the main line , so he quickly spread his bedding , and , drawing the green-baize shade over the lamp , he was soon asleep . He could not say where it happened , but when he roused up the train was in motion and he was just conscious he was not alone ; but the instant he attempted to move , a rug was thrown over his face , and he knew he was being held down by at least two powerful assailants . In a very short time , notwithstanding his fierce struggles , he was bound hand and foot , a gag in his mouth , and blindfolded , without having the slightest idea of the appearance of those who had attacked him . Whilst Tom was in this condition the train stopped several times , but no one entered the compartment , and , as the Venetian shutters were down , it was impossible for any one to peer through the window and so become aware of his position .