midnight
They had never got quite so far as this before : some quarrel had congealed the surface again . But now , with a desperate disagreement just behind them , and the unusual luxury of a taxi just in front , the vernal airs continued blowing in the most springlike manner . `` Yes , that 's true enough , '' said Puffin . `` Long roads they were , and dry roads at that , and if I stuck to them from after my supper every evening till midnight or more , should be smothered in dust . '' `` Unless you washed the dust down just once in a while , '' said Major Flint . `` Just so . Brain-work 's an exhausting process ; requires a little stimulant now and again , '' said Puffin .