nearly midnight
`` I 'll run right through a thousand Germans , if you say so . '' `` I guess that will not be necessary , '' broke in the lieutenant , with a laugh , `` but you never can tell what may happen . '' Hal reduced the speed of the machine even more , and slowly approached the town , the lights of which could be seen in the distance . It was now nearly midnight , and , as Captain Derevaux suggested , it would be wise to go through the town without attracting attention , if possible . But this was not to be . The automobile entered the town , and had proceeded some distance , when Hal called back : `` I guess we will get through without any trouble , all right . '' `` Do n't be too sure , '' replied the Englishman .