twelve o'clock
We accordingly went on deck , and descended to our wherry again . This time the Inspector accompanied us , while the police boat set off down the harbour on other business . When we had seen it pull out into the darkness , we threw the imitation money overboard , pushed off for the shore , landed where we had first embarked , and then walked up to Mr. Wetherell 's house . It was considerably after twelve o'clock by the time we reached it , but the butler was still sitting up for us . His disappointment seemed as keen as ours when he discovered that we had returned without his young mistress . He followed us up to the study with spirits and glasses , and then at his master 's instruction went off to bed . `` Now , gentlemen , '' began Mr. Wetherell , when the door had closed upon him , `` let us discuss the matter thoroughly .