midnight
This is what it said : `` Special II . 256 by afternoon express , for Martin & Company , Pleasantville , contains fifteen thousand dollars in cash , sender Dunn & Son , Importers . They ask me to make a special delivery , and will defray any extra cost for having it accepted personally by A.B. Martin , and receipted for by him in the presence of witnesses . Delivery to be legal , must be made before twelve , midnight , and this certified to . This is a very important matter for one of the company 's largest customers . Be sure to make delivery on time . '' Bart read the telegram over twice , taking in its important details , with a serious face .