about
midnight
He was an undersized , grumpy person , and Jim had earned his ill will by giving him a call down for his impudence to a lady who had the section across from him . The darky had vowed to do him dirt , and , though he was afraid of Jim , the opportunity soon came for him to get even . At one of the stations the Mexican got acquainted with the porter and soon insinuated himself into his good graces , and it did not take him long to find out that this colored person had it in for the tall young gringo , which was sugar to his coffee . It was a simple matter for him to find out the number and location of Jim 's berth , and to make arrangements to get into the car about midnight , so as to carry out his plans . It was shortly after twelve that night , that the porter unlocked the door of the Pullman , and admitted an undersized Mexican . It was a sinister figure that crouched in the corner of the deserted smoking-room , like a black spider lurking for his prey . At that moment the porter rushed in , and collared the Mexican .