midnight
The first inquiries instituted about the Indians showed that they had not so much as attempted to leave the town . Further questions addressed to the police , proved that all three had been seen returning to Frizinghall with their boy , on the previous night between ten and eleven -- which -LRB- regard being had to hours and distances -RRB- also proved that they had walked straight back after performing on our terrace . Later still , at midnight , the police , having occasion to search the common lodging-house where they lived , had seen them all three again , and their little boy with them , as usual . Soon after midnight I myself had safely shut up the house . Plainer evidence than this , in favour of the Indians , there could not well be . The magistrate said there was not even a case of suspicion against them so far . But , as it was just possible , when the police came to investigate the matter , that discoveries affecting the jugglers might be made , he would contrive , by committing them as rogues and vagabonds , to keep them at our disposal , under lock and key , for a week .