midnight
But that Frenchman ought to know the genuine stuff . However , we 'll see . '' Carrying his limp , leather bag , which had served him in such good stead when he entered the lavatory , the colonel slouched silently along the road . It was close to midnight , and there would be no other trains to the shore that day . The lights of the Three Pines glowed in pleasant and inviting fashion across the sandy highway . Out in front stood several cars , for the tavern was one much patronized by summer visitors , and was a haven of refuge , a `` life-saving station , '' as it had been dubbed by those who fancied they were much in need of alcoholic refreshment . Jean Forette entered , and Colonel Ashley , waiting a little and making sure that the `` tap room , '' as it was ostentatiously called , was sufficiently filled to enable him to mingle with the patrons without attracting undue notice , followed .