noon
The Consul knew Otway , and , in a measure , dreaded him , for the supercargo 's knowledge of certain transactions in connection with the sale of arms to natives , in which he -LRB- the Consul -RRB- had taken a leading and lucrative part . So when he saw the supercargo of the _ Tucopia _ beckoning to O'Donovan he smiled genially at him , and hurriedly told the detective to go . `` He 's a most astute and clever young scoundrel , Mr. O'Donovan , and in a way we are at his mercy . But you shall have the four hundred pounds in the morning -- not later than noon . This man Barton must be brought to justice at any cost . '' `` Just so , sir ; and you will get a hundred out of the business , any way , '' replied O'Donovan , who had gauged the Consul 's morality pretty fairly . As Otway and the detective walked towards the hotel known as `` Johnny Hall 's '' the former said lazily -- `` Look here , Mr. O'Donovan .