seven o'clock
This was not strictly true ; for he had noticed an individual in the bank , occupied in repairing the telephone . He had made discreet inquiries , and had been told that he was a workman sent by the State , at the request of the bankers , to see that the lines were in good working order . This explanation had at first set his mind at rest regarding the comings and goings of this individual . But , just when he was going in to dinner at seven o'clock , Fandor had come across the man in the vestibule of the bank making preparations to depart . It had been a painful surprise for Fandor . He recognised the man , but could not remember exactly who he was , or where he had seen him ... . Was this workman one of the mysterious band of criminals who , he was more and more convinced , meant to strike a blow at Monsieur Barbey , and his partner , Nanteuil ?