midnight
The rowel was in his flank again , and the scourge at his back . Sargeant stood there , the well-groomed clubman of thirty ; a little cynical perhaps , but a really good fellow for all that , and undeniably fond of Condy . But somewhere with the eyes of some second self Condy saw the girl of nineteen , part child and part woman ; saw her goodness , her fine , sweet feminine strength as it were a dim radiance ; `` What 's a good man worth , Condy , '' she had said , `` if he 's not a strong man ? '' `` I suppose we 'll have a game going before midnight , '' admitted Sargeant resignedly , smiling good-humoredly nevertheless . Condy set his teeth . `` I 'll join you later . Wait a few moments , '' he said .