midnight
The highly gratified host had lighted the kerosene lamp on the table in the centre of the room , and pulled down the window shades . Then , putting his fingers to his lips to enjoin silence , he tip-toed to the door and threw it open suddenly . After peering into the hall and listening intently for a moment , he cautiously closed it again . `` All 's well , as the watchman says at midnight , '' he remarked , as he drew his key ring from his hip pocket and selected a key with unerring precision from the extensive assortment . `` I always do that , '' he added . `` I do n't suppose it was necessary tonight , because Angie Miller has got Hatch where he ca n't possibly escape . Long as she knows where he is , she do n't do much snooping .