three o'clock
London 's pulse was dimmed now , and around about us that great city slept as soundly as it ever sleeps . Other sounds came vaguely through the fog , and beside Nayland Smith I sat and watched him at work upon the Tûlun-Nûr box . Every knob of the intricate design he pushed , pulled and twisted ; but without result . The night wore on , and just before three o'clock Inspector Weymouth knocked upon the door . I admitted him , and side by side the two of us stood watching Smith patiently pursuing his task . All conversation had ceased , when , just as the muted booming of London 's clocks reached my ears again and Weymouth pulled out his watch , there came a faint click ... and I saw that Smith had raised the lid of the coffer ! Weymouth and I sprang forward with one accord , and over Smith 's shoulders peered into the interior .