midnight
The Chairman said it would be better and more regular to proceed with the investigation according to the usual forms . A note would be made of Mr. Noble 's admission . Mr. Noble continued . He said that it was now far past midnight ; that he took his leave and went straight to certain legislators , told them everything , made them count the money , and also told them of the exposure he would make in joint convention ; he made that exposure , as all the world knew . The rest of the $ 10,000 was to be paid the day after Dilworthy was elected . Senator Dilworthy was now asked to take the stand and tell what he knew about the man Noble . The Senator wiped his mouth with his handkerchief , adjusted his white cravat , and said that but for the fact that public morality required an example , for the warning of future Nobles , he would beg that in Christian charity this poor misguided creature might be forgiven and set free .