three o'clock in the morning
Their swords were engaged up to the hilt . And it was like the heavy silence that goes before the mortal blow . Which of the two was to strike it ? Lupin said , between his teeth : `` Failing my instructions to the contrary , two of my friends have orders to enter your father 's room to-night , at three o'clock in the morning , to seize him and carry him off to join Ganimard and Holmlock Shears . '' A burst of shrill laughter interrupted him : `` Why , you highwayman , do n't you understand , '' cried Beautrelet , `` that I have taken my precautions ? So you think that I am innocent enough , ass enough , to have sent my father home to his lonely little house in the open country ! '' Oh , the gay , bantering laughter that lit up the boy 's face !