midnight
After they had gone , the Terrestrians turned in for the night , leaving a telephone connection with the armed guard outside . * * * * * The dull light of the Venerian day was filtering in through the windows the next morning when the Terrestrians awoke . It was eight o'clock , New York time , but Sonor was working on a twenty-three hour day . It happened that Sonor and New York had been in opposition at midnight two nights ago , which meant that it was now ten o'clock Sonorian time . The result was that Arcot left the car to speak to the officer in charge of the guard about the ship . `` We need some pure water -- water free of copper salts . I think it would be best if you can get me some water that has been distilled .