midnight
There was a glitter in the eyes of the speaker that was not pleasant to see . Mr. Elliston sank to a chair , and with an air of resignation said : `` Well , well , this is impudent , but I will listen if it will gratify you . '' `` It certainly will . I wish to start out with the assertion that you DO know something about the crime on the midnight express , and I will try and convince you that _ I _ know what part you acted in the murder of one of the best men in the service of the express company . Do n't lose your temper , sir , but listen ? '' `` I am listening . '' There was a sullen echo in the man 's voice that boded an outburst soon .