midnight
_ I _ believe that story about the duel ! '' he declared ; and it was of the very essence of this belief that it should impel him -- just as our little party was dispersing -- to turn back to our host with the absurd demand : `` And now you 've got to tell us about _ your _ ghost ! '' The outer door had closed on Murchard and the others ; only Frenham and I remained ; and the vigilant servant who presided over Culwin 's destinies , having brought a fresh supply of soda-water , had been laconically ordered to bed . Culwin 's sociability was a night-blooming flower , and we knew that he expected the nucleus of his group to tighten around him after midnight . But Frenham 's appeal seemed to disconcert him comically , and he rose from the chair in which he had just reseated himself after his farewells in the hall . `` _ My _ ghost ? Do you suppose I 'm fool enough to go to the expense of keeping one of my own , when there are so many charming ones in my friends ' closets ?