midnight
`` Yes , '' said Willie . `` And do n't talk to anyone , '' Burton again cautioned him . A few minutes later Burton left Oakdale with his two lieutenants and a couple of the local policemen , the car turning south toward Payson and moving at ever accelerating speed as it left the town streets behind it and swung smoothly onto the country road . ***** It was after midnight when four men cautiously approached the old mill . There was no light nor any sign of life within as they crept silently through the doorless doorway . Columbus Blackie was in the lead . He flashed a quick light around the interior revealing four forms stretched upon the floor , deep in slumber .