midnight
On the `` zinc , '' side by side , like birds on a rail , sat the two muleteers . In each big , sunburnt fist was an empty glass ; their spurred feet dangled ; they leaned forward where they sat , hunched up over their knees , heads slightly turned , as though intently listening . A haze of cigarette smoke dimmed the candle flame . The drone of an aëroplane high in the midnight sky came to them at intervals . At last the sound died away under the far stars . By the smoky candle flame Kid Glenn unfolded and once more read the letter that kept them there : -- I ought to get to Sainte Lesse somewhere around midnight . Do n't say a word to Maryette .