noon
`` These maddening conjectures will turn my brain ! I 'll let matters stand as they are , and risk the consequences ! '' I hesitated no longer , but passed out from the hotel and once more directed my steps in the direction of Fleet Street . As I passed in under the arch through which streamed many busy workers , I told myself that to dread entering my own chambers at high noon was utterly childish . Yet I did dread doing so ! And as I mounted the stair and came to the landing , which was always more or less dark , I paused for quite a long time before putting the key in the lock . The affair of the accursed slipper was playing havoc with my nerves , and I laughed dryly to note that my hand was not quite steady as I turned the key , opened my door , and slipped into the dim hallway .