midnight
Nor was it . I had secured a latch-key to the house , from the police , who were willing enough for me to search for possible clues , as I had told them I would do . At their wits ' end to locate Vicky Van , they welcomed my help and felt that as a friend of hers , I might learn more than a disinterested policeman could . So , well after midnight , watching my chance when the patrolman had just passed on his regular round , I went across the street . Easily I opened the mailbox and extracted a quantity of letters . Quietly , then , I opened the house door and went in . I had provided myself with a pocket flashlight , as I did n't want to illuminate the house , and I went at once to the music room , to perform my errand .