midnight
And then Regan , threatened with police and military by his gathering enemies , passes them the court order obtained during the night . By this order they are enjoined from tearing up the frog , even before it has been laid down ! Such is the forethought of genius . Regan 's special , ordered out since midnight , stands drumming up the line , and Tim lurking in his corner sees the signal he gives as he crosses the track . The special glides down between them , and once more the vagabond watches through the flying dust clouds the flash of Regan 's car , signaling farewell . Now he is free to pick and choose where he will , but Tim Cannon girds his rags with fierce regret ; the great things within him cling to this spot ; he can not break away , and he curses in a cold agony of disappointment . `` I was too late .