the hour of twelve
It was a bitterly cold night that brought to a close this twenty-fourth day of December . The air outside was still , but the temperature was below zero . Within all was quiet , the servants of Harrowby Hall awaiting with beating hearts the outcome of their master 's campaign against his supernatural visitor . The master himself was lying on the bed in the haunted room , clad as has already been indicated , and then -- The clock clanged out the hour of twelve . There was a sudden banging of doors , a blast of cold air swept through the halls , the door leading into the haunted chamber flew open , a splash was heard , and the water ghost was seen standing at the side of the heir of Harrowby , from whose outer dress there streamed rivulets of water , but whose own person deep down under the various garments he wore was as dry and as warm as he could have wished . `` Ha ! '' said the young master of Harrowby .