midnight
`` They could not have missed me . So , you see , your best way is to give chase ; for they have a long start of you , and you have no time to lose . '' `` Your information is sufficient , my good friend , '' said Edward , with a smile . `` I have reason to know that they did not commence their flight before midnight . You have made it evident that they have not passed since : ergo , they have not passed at all , -- an indisputable syllogism . And now will I retrace my footsteps . '' `` Stay , young man , '' said the stranger , placing himself full in Edward 's way as he was about to hasten to the inn .