Sunday at
midnight
Hues shifted his seat . `` I 'm sensitive about calling things by their short names ; '' he gave way to easy laughter ; `` but if you 've got anything special you 're saving for yourself , I 'm free to say I 'd rather take chances with you than with another , '' he finished carelessly . `` Hues , you must start back across Tennessee . Make it Sunday at midnight -- that 's three days off . '' Unconsciously his voice sank to a whisper . `` Sunday at midnight , '' repeated Hues slowly . `` When you have passed the word into middle Tennessee , turn south and make the best of your way to New Orleans .