twelve o'clock
`` Come here an ' see for yourself , '' he said , after trying in vain to make out the position of the hands . `` I reckon I must have bought four or five watches by the looks of these , though I 'm blest if I remember anything about it . '' `` You 've only got one there , '' Jet said , as he gazed over the stranger 's shoulder . `` It lacks only ten minutes of being twelve o'clock ; I sha n't have long to wait . '' `` I 'd stay with you if I did n't have to call upon a sick friend , '' the man replied after some difficulty , and then he staggered on , while Jet paced to and fro as if only by exercise could he control his impatience . In less than five minutes he was joined by two men , or at least they came on the platform ; but seemingly took care to prevent him from seeing their faces . He could hear them talking in low , earnest tones ; but was so engrossed by his own thoughts that he made no attempt to distinguish the words .