midnight
He stuffed the coded message into his pocket , and turned to where Major Parker was inspecting the Vultee . `` Thanks for giving us the message , sir , '' he said . Then he added with a grin , `` It sort of looks as though we 've been fired , you might say . Our superior officer is joining us here at midnight . Would it be all right for us to eat in the Officers ' Club and sort of kill time until he gets here ? '' `` Certainly , Dawson , '' the major replied at once . `` The place is yours .