four o'clock
Gregory took the check with shaking fingers , at a loss for words to express fittingly his appreciation of the favor . A moment later the door opened and Silvanus Rock entered with two strangers . The financier was on time . In another few seconds the hands of the watch would be pointing to four o'clock . Rock 's beady eyes opened wider as he took in the occupants of the room . `` I regret that circumstances have forced upon me a very unpleasant duty , '' he began , but Gregory cut him short . `` They have n't , '' he said .