about midnight
Not a single passenger was there , while the two porters were lolling lazily around , enjoying the warmth of the bright May sun . I asked to see the station-master ; he was not at the station . Then I made inquiries for the booking-clerk , who presently made his appearance . I found that there was a train leaving about midnight , which travelled northward , one that had been running some years . `` Were you at the booking-office on the day after New Year 's Day ? '' I asked . `` Yes , sir , '' replied the clerk .