midnight
Then he learned of Paul 's efforts to escape and set out after him . From the Racer boys the man learned of Paul 's rescue , but naturally he would not tell what he wanted of him , and hurried away . He hung about Harbor View , hoping for a chance to get hold of the helpless lad , or steal the papers . That was the cause of his midnight visit to the Racer home . Then he had an idea that the papers were in the boat , and he made a search for that . He found it floating at sea , and hiring a sailboat , started to tow it to land . He was frightened by the Racer boys , however , and soon afterward , a storm coming up , the tow line parted and the _ Swallow _ was once more afloat .