midnight
The chauffeur , who had slept in his machine , promised breakfast by eight at Mrs. Dick 's . He tore up the road and he tore away their breath , but he came into Goldite half an hour ahead of time , and claimed he had driven `` pretty slow . '' Meantime , the night in the mining-camp had brought no untoward excitement . Van , at his tent , with the covered figure lying on the earth , had welcomed his partners at midnight with the news that a `` homeless and worn-out pilgrim of the desert '' had come desiring rest . He was sleeping hard ; he was not to be disturbed . In the morning he was scheduled to depart . Tired to utter unconcern , the three old worthies made their beds with Van beside the man at peace .