about midnight
`` What time did you part from the Mackwaytes at the theatre last night ? '' Desmond was dumbfounded . How on earth did the Chief know about his visit to the Palaceum ? Still , he was used to the omniscience of the British Intelligence , so he answered promptly : `` It was latish , sir ; about midnight , I think ! '' `` They went home to Seven Kings alone ! '' `` Yes , sir , in a taxi ! '' Desmond replied .