twelve o'clock
`` As for that , ma'am , '' I answered , `` I can not say . But that he 's a bachelor I believe ; and that he hates women I have his word over and over . '' `` Then he shall marry me or fight me , '' she answered very coolly , and began to strip off her short bodice . `` There 's twelve o'clock , '' announced one of the turnkeys , as the first stroke sounded from the clock above us over the prison gateway . `` Too late to be married to-day ; so a fight it is . '' `` A ring ! a ring ! ''