midnight
He had put the whole case plainly before the magistrate , and the magistrate had at once sent for the police . The first inquiries instituted about the Indians showed that they had not so much as attempted to leave the town . Further questions addressed to the police , proved that all three had been seen returning to Frizinghall with their boy , on the previous night between ten and eleven -- which -LRB- regard being had to hours and distances -RRB- also proved that they had walked straight back after performing on our terrace . Later still , at midnight , the police , having occasion to search the common lodging-house where they lived , had seen them all three again , and their little boy with them , as usual . Soon after midnight I myself had safely shut up the house . Plainer evidence than this , in favour of the Indians , there could not well be . The magistrate said there was not even a case of suspicion against them so far .