midnight
I can trust you now . '' Mr. Grant drew a folded paper from his pocket . `` The president of the Midland Central is on the Night Express , returning from the west . The document I show you must be signed before he reaches the city , before midnight , or we lose the right to run over the Mountain Division . If he once reaches the city , interests adverse to the Great Northern will influence him to repudiate the contract , which only awaits his signature to make it valid . He will sign it if I can intercept him . Can you make Shelby Junction , ninety miles away , in two hours and fifteen minutes ? ''