midnight
`` I 'm not that kind of a man . I follow my own course and take the consequences . '' The professor shook his head sadly and went out . Later , when he heard what had happened , he said to Walter : `` If that man had come into my room at midnight I should have died of fright . '' `` There was no occasion to be alarmed , '' returned Walter , `` We were prepared for him . '' `` I -- I am afraid I was never cut out for a hero , '' said the professor . `` My nervous system is easily upset . ''