three o'clock
She remembered reading the story with no little interest . The only new feature in the case , therefore , was the identification of Challis Wrandall by his `` beautiful wife , '' and the sensational manner in which it had been brought about . With considerable interest she noted the hour that these despatches had been received from `` special correspondents , '' and wondered where the shrewd , lynx-eyed reporters napped while she was at the inn . All of the despatches were timed three o'clock and each paper characterised its issue as an `` Extra , '' with Challis Wrandall 's name in huge type across as many columns as the dignity of the sheet permitted . Not one word of the girl ! Absolute mystery ! Mrs. Wrandall returned to her post beside the bed of the sleeper in the adjoining room .