an hour after midnight
`` A bit stiff and formal , '' was his comment after rereading it several times , `` but I do n't think it gives much away . '' The two hours that followed were perhaps the dreariest he had ever spent in civilised circumstances . London had given him enough to think about in all conscience , but his mind would not be controlled ; as surely as a disturbed compass needle it kept moving back to the north . Teddy 's arrival , half an hour after midnight , he hailed as a great relief . Teddy wore a tired and soiled aspect , but his eyes glinted with repressed excitement . `` Let 's go up to my room , Alan , '' he said at once ; `` I 've got something to shew you . '' The moment they were there , with the door bolted , Teddy 's fingers went to his waistcoat pocket .