twelve o’clock
But it did not . Dearly would he have liked to come with me , had I not utterly refused to take him . One man might escape notice , to double the party more than doubled the risk ; and when he ventured to hint once again that my life was too valuable , I , knowing the secret thought he clung to , sternly bade him be silent , assuring him that unless the King lived through the night , I would not live through it either . At twelve o'clock , Sapt 's command left the chateau of Tarlenheim and struck off to the right , riding by unfrequented roads , and avoiding the town of Zenda . If all went well , they would be in front of the Castle by about a quarter to two . Leaving their horses half a mile off , they were to steal up to the entrance and hold themselves in readiness for the opening of the door . If the door were not opened by two , they were to send Fritz von Tarlenheim round to the other side of the Castle .