noon
And people were born , and lived , and died in Bristol -- merciful powers ! He made his way back to the hotel , drank a glass of hot whisky , and went to bed . After a sound sleep he awoke in the grey dawn , wondered awhile where he could be , then asked himself why on earth he had come here . It did n't matter much ; he could strike off by the Midland to Polterham , and be there before noon . And again he slept . When he had breakfasted , he called to the waiter and asked him how far it was to that part of the town called Hotwells . Learning that the road thither would bring him near to Clifton , he nodded with satisfaction .