midnight
`` This is a serious matter for the club , '' he said . `` I suggest , Mr. Orme , that we go to the library '' -- he glanced significantly at the other groups on the veranda -- `` where no one can overhear us , and talk the matter over quietly . '' `` But that will exactly fit in with his scheme , '' exclaimed Orme , heatedly . `` He knows that , in the interests of our own country '' -- he hazarded this -- `` I must be at a certain place before midnight . He will use every means to delay me -- even to charging me with theft . '' `` What is that ? '' Bessie Wallingham 's voice broke in upon them .