midnight
He only knew that he had been invited , as an English _ gentleman _ , to participate in a council of war . But Mr. Hobbs was not the kind to falter , once he had given his word ; however hazy he may have been at the moment , he knew that he had volunteered to do something . Nor did it seem to surprise him when he finally found out what it was . `` We 'll be off at midnight , Hobbs , '' said Truxton , feeling in his pocket for the missing watch . `` As you say , Mr. King , just as you say , '' said Hobbs with fine indifference . As Truxton was leaving the Castle ten minutes later , Hobbs having gone before to see to the packing of food-bags and the filling of flasks , a brisk , eager-faced young attendant hurried up to him . `` I bear a message from his Royal Highness , '' said the attendant , detaining him .