midnight
`` You will spare neither whip nor spur until you arrive in London , Master Kenneth . You must ride night and day ; the matter is of the greatest urgency . '' Kenneth nodded that he understood , and Joseph sprinkled the sand over the written page . `` I know not when you should reach London so that you may be in time , but , '' he continued , and as he spoke he creased the paper and poured the superfluous sand back into the box , `` I should say that by midnight to-morrow your message should be delivered . Aye , '' he continued , in answer to the lad 's gasp of surprise , `` it is hard riding , I know , but if you would win Cynthia you must do it . Spare neither money nor horseflesh , and keep to the saddle until you are in Thames Street . '' He folded the letter , sealed it , and wrote the superscription : `` This to Colonel Pride , at the sign of the Anchor in Thames Street . ''