midnight
Rob experienced a decided sense of relief as he mixed with the gay populace and enjoyed the sights of the splendid city , for it enabled him to forget , for a time , the responsibilities thrust upon him by the possession of the Demon 's marvelous electrical devices . 13 . Rob Loses His Treasures Our young adventurer had intended to pass the night in the little bed at his hotel , but the atmosphere of Paris proved so hot and disagreeable that he decided it would be more enjoyable to sleep while journeying through the cooler air that lay far above the earth 's surface . So just as the clocks were striking the midnight hour Rob mounted skyward and turned the indicator of the traveling machine to the east , intending to make the city of Vienna his next stop . He had risen to a considerable distance , where the air was remarkably fresh and exhilarating , and the relief he experienced from the close and muggy streets of Paris was of such a soothing nature that he presently fell fast asleep . His day in the metropolis had been a busy one , for , like all boys , he had forgotten himself in the delight of sight-seeing and had tired his muscles and exhausted his strength to an unusual degree . It was about three o'clock in the morning when Rob , moving restlessly in his sleep , accidently touched with his right hand the indicator of the machine which was fastened to his left wrist , setting it a couple of points to the south of east .