midnight
Watson Wilks drew himself up and looked as solemn as an owl . This did not serve to bring a pleased expression to the woman 's face , however . As she said nothing , the young man proceeded : `` I 'm working on the railroad now , Madge , and have n't turned a dishonest penny in a long time . Of course you heard of the robbery of the midnight express down in the central part of the State last night ? Some of the morning papers have an account of it . '' `` I had n't heard . '' `` Well , then , I will tell you about it ; '' and Mr. Wilks gave a brief account of the terrible tragedy that had shocked the land .