one o’clock in the afternoon
muttered the Minister , perplexed . `` How did they know that I was to leave the house at one o'clock in the afternoon with my report , when I myself learned of it only the day before yesterday ? '' The Chief of the Guards stretched out his arms with a shrug . `` Exactly at one o'clock in the afternoon , your Excellency , '' he said . Half surprised , half commending the work of the police , who had managed everything skilfully , the Minister shook his head , a morose smile upon his thick , dark lips , and still smiling obediently , and not desiring to interfere with the plans of the police , he hastily made ready , and went out to pass the night in some one else 's hospitable palace . His wife and his two children were also removed from the dangerous house , before which the bomb-throwers were to gather upon the following day . While the lights were burning in the palace , and courteous , familiar faces were bowing to him , smiling and expressing their concern , the dignitary experienced a sensation of pleasant excitement -- he felt as if he had already received , or was soon to receive , some great and unexpected reward .