midnight
* * * * * That very night Fred Archer issued from the secret outlet of the Dark Vaults , and bent his steps in the direction of Wall street . This street is the great focus around which all the most extensive financial operations of the great metropolis are carried on . It is occupied exclusively by banks , brokers ' and insurance offices , and establishments of the like character . It was midnight when Archer turned into Wall street from Broadway . The moon was obscured by clouds , and the street was entirely deserted . He paused before a large , massive building in the neighborhood of the Exchange , and glanced around him in every direction to assure himself that he was unobserved . Seeing no one , he ascended the marble steps , drew from his pocket a huge key , and with it unlocked the door ; he entered , and closing the door after him , carefully re-locked it .