midnight
He had fooled them both ; he , Joe Montgomery , had done this , and by a very master stroke of cunning had tied the judge 's hands . But as he shuffled down the street he saw the welcoming lights of Lonigan 's saloon and suddenly remembered there was good hard money in his ragged pockets . He would have just one drink and then go home to his old woman . It was well on toward midnight when he came out on the street again , and the one drink had become many drinks ; still mindful of his original purpose , however , he reeled across the Square on his way home . He had just turned into Mulberry Street when he became conscious of a brisk step on the pavement at his side , and at the same instant a heavy hand descended on his shoulder and he found himself looking into Andy Gilmore 's dark face . `` Where have you been ? '' demanded Gilmore .