midnight
The job was by no means perfect , but it was not likely to be detected . At that moment Alcatrante raised his voice and said , still in French : `` You are sure , then , that this will not only delay the game , but end it . '' `` Quite sure , '' said the Japanese . `` Unless the documents are signed before midnight to-night nothing can be done for sometime . We have the Germans fixed . They will do what they have thus far agreed to do , but if any technical hitch arises , such as a failure to sign within the time-limit , they will decline to renew negotiations . That was all we could get from them , but it is enough -- now . ''