midnight
Yes , Mr. T-S was there , but he was `` on the lot '' and could not be disturbed . I gave my name , and stated that it was a matter of life and death ; Mr. T-S must come to the phone instantly . A couple of minutes later I heard his voice , and told him the situation , and also my scheme . He must come himself , to make sure that his orders were obeyed ; he must bring several bus-loads of men , clad in the full regalia of Mobland 's great Secret Society ; and they must arrive at Abell 's place precisely on the stroke of midnight . The men must be paid five dollars apiece , and be told that if they succeeded in bringing away the prophet unharmed , they would each get ten dollars extra . `` I will put up that money , '' I said to T-S ; but to my surprise he cried : `` You ai n't gon na put up nuttin ' ! God damn dem fellers , I 'll beat 'em if it costs me a million ! ''