midnight
I seem to be fairly between the devil and the deep sea . '' The men laughed , but Dick made the decision . `` You had better go back , '' he said . `` He will at least have you safe under lock and key by midnight that way and not lie awake worrying all night himself . '' `` Then let me run you to the inn first , '' said the stranger , and after fixing his red lights , Dick went off with them in search of help to make the car safer for the night . A little later the stranger 's motor turned Londonwards with two occupants only , one in front and one behind . After a few miles he stopped .