midnight
he muttered . `` I 'd suspect the scoundrel but for what I heard this afternoon , and he has it all so pat that he 's probably been in it himself more or less . However , it promises well ; and ' t will he a service of the utmost importance if we can but break up the murdering gang and bring them to justice , for ' t is no time to have Clinton reading all our secrets . '' It was midnight when Brereton trotted into Chatham and dismounting from his horse walked wearily into his tent . His servant , sleeping on the floor , waked , and hastily rose . `` A despatch , sir , from headquarters , '' he said , taking a paper from his pocket . `` When did it arrive ? ''