midnight
Before long , however , they came in sight of lights , which Merkle hailed with relief . The Chateau was a quasi-roadhouse of some architectural dignity , widely advertised as being under the same management as one of the smart Broadway cafes , and supplying the same food and drink , at twice the Broadway price . Its service was unsurpassed by any city restaurant , and , being within an hour 's run by motor , it received a liberal patronage . Tips were large at the Chateau ; its hospitality was famous among those who could afford the extravagance of midnight entertainment ; and yet it was a quiet place . No echo of what occurred within its walls ever reached the outside world . Sea-food , waffles , privacy , and discretion were its recognized specialties , and people came for miles -- mainly in pairs -- to enjoy them . As the pedestrians neared the avenue of maples leading up to the house they espied in the road ahead of them first the dull red glow of a tail-light , then a dusty license plate .