midnight
well , here is the order . '' And taking a pen , Mr. X ----- scrawled two lines , which he handed to Nighthawk . A glow of satisfaction came to that worthy 's face , and taking the paper , he carefully placed it in his pocket . As he did so , the bell in the capitol square struck midnight , and I rose to take my departure . `` Come and see me soon again , colonel , '' said Mr. X ----- , going to the door with me . He had made a sign to Nighthawk , who rose to go out with me , that he wished him to remain . `` What I have said to you , to-night , '' continued the statesman , gravely , `` may have been injudicious , colonel .