twelve o'clock
Then , following a brief pause , both started toward their cars . The next minute they were chugging away , in the night and the lights in the clubhouse began to go out . Two hours later a stealthy figure crept across the Thursdale lawn , lurking behind the rose beds and lilac bushes , finally worming its way to a dripping but secluded spot under the weather side of the house . It was past twelve o'clock , but there were still lights in the front part of the big summer-house . Quiet reigned there , however ; the noise of merry-making came from the servants ' quarters overlooking the ravine . A handful of gravel left an impatient hand and rattled against the second-story window above . Almost instantaneously the window was raised and a head came forth .