noon
Master Zacharius turned quickly towards this ancient clock which still spoke . It seemed to him as if its face was gazing steadily at him ; the figures of the hours shone as if they had been engraved in lines of fire , and the hands shot forth electric sparks from their sharp points . -LSB- Illustration : This proud old man remained motionless -RSB- The mass ended . It was customary for the `` Angelus '' to be said at noon , and the priests , before leaving the altar , waited for the clock to strike the hour of twelve . In a few moments this prayer would ascend to the feet of the Virgin . But suddenly a harsh noise was heard . Master Zacharius uttered a piercing cry .