midnight
I did n't say anything about it -- did n't point it out to them , I mean -- for I 'd begun to have a feeling that things were n't all right ; and I daresay they have n't noticed what _ I _ noticed . If they have , number 139 and the ten plates following will be gone . Whether they have or not -- that 's my proof . '' The King was now following the man 's narrative with tense interest ; every moment its import grew more clear ; yes , clearer than day , sharp and bright as a rocket shot up against the blackness of a midnight sky . The inspector paused for a moment and wiped his hand over dry lips ; in the telling of that tale his face had grown white . `` Whom do you mean by ` they ' ? '' inquired the King .