midnight
It was arranged that Pedro was to remain , under pay , in Lima , storing up such information as he could secure against the day of the return of the Nelson . Mike was to remain with him , of course , as there would be no room on the Nelson for him . The young man when told of the plans , objected strenuously to being left , but was finally consoled by the promise that the aeroplane would be sent back after him when opportunity offered . It was after midnight when all the arrangements were made and the boys passed out of their rooms into the hotel lobby . At that hour they thought the driver of the other aeroplane would be likely to be sleeping . At the very door of the hotel they came upon Mr. Thomas Q. Collins ! He strolled up as Ned stepped into the doorway and extended his hand .