about eight o'clock
`` This is a special repeating-coil of high efficiency , '' he explained in answer to my inquiry . `` It is absolutely balanced as to resistance , number of turns , and everything . I shall run this third line from the coil into Brixton 's den , and then , if you like , you can accompany me on a little excursion down to the village where I am going to install another similar coil between the two lines at the local telephone central station opposite the railroad . '' Brixton met us about eight o'clock that night in his now renovated den . Apparently , even the little change from uncertainty to certainty so far had had a tonic effect on him . I had , however , almost given up the illusion that it was possible for us to be even in the den without being watched by an unseen eye . It seemed to me that to one who could conceive of talking through an incandescent lamp seeing , even through steel and masonry , was not impossible .