midnight
Mr. Aloys . X. Alden was a Stoic who had known for many years that he was not the only clever man in the world . Sheard sat with both elbows resting upon his writing-table . A suburban quietude reigned about him , for the hour was long past midnight . Before him was spread out the final edition of the _ Gleaner _ and prominent upon the front page appeared : -- SIR LEOPOLD JESSON AND MR. HOHSMANN FALL INTO LINE With a tact which was inspired by private information from a certain source , the _ Gleaner _ had pooh-poohed the story of the mysterious cards received by the guests at Julius Rohscheimer 's . The story had leaked out , of course , but Sheard was in no way responsible for the leakage . Frantically , representatives of the _ Gleaner 's _ rivals had sought for confirmation from the lips of the victims ; but , as had been foreseen by the astute Sheard , no confirmation was forthcoming .