midnight
Mattison reminded them that the watchman in the train shed was not to be overlooked , but they decided to chance him . `` There 's one thing about it , '' said Mattison , smiling . `` If Johnson does n't catch us , I can discharge him for incompetency . '' Shortly after midnight Harvey and Mattison started out . They found the station dark . As they tiptoed slowly along , edging close to the building , everything was silent . They reached the arched doorway , and were turning in when the glare of a bull 's - eye lantern flashed into their eyes .