seven o’clock
Zachariah looked at his wife , and expected to see her half frantic . But no ; though it was her best china , she stopped the Major 's apologies , and assured him , with something almost like laughter , that it was not of the slightest consequence . `` Tea does n't stain ; I hope it has not gone on your coat ; '' and producing a duster from the cupboard , the evil , save the loss of the crockery , was remedied in a couple of minutes . At half-past seven o'clock the Major and Zachariah departed . They walked across the top of Hatton Garden , and so onwards till they came to Red Lion Street . Entering a low passage at the side of a small public-house , they went up some stairs , and found themselves opposite a door which was locked . The Major gave three taps and then paused .