twelve o'clock
The holy apostles above the portal were more like human men than ever , with their silicious eyes and pulseless bosoms ; while the hideous gargoyles at the base of each crocheted pinnacle , seemed swimming in the dusky evening . It may have been that this aqueous phenomenon was natural to one `` half-seas over ; '' but not till he stood on the place of the Hôtel de la Ville , did Pisgah have any consciousness whatever that he walked upon the solid world . At this moment he was reminded , also , that he held a letter in his hand , his landlady 's gift at parting ; it was dated , `` Clichy dungeon , '' and signed by Mr. Freckle . `` Dear Pisgah , '' read the text , `` I am here at claim of restaurateur ; shall die to-morrow at or before twelve o'clock , if Andy Plade do n't fork over my subscription of two hundred francs . Andy Plade damned knave -- no mistake ! No living soul been to see me , except letter from Hon. Mr. Slidell . He has got sixteen thousand dollars in specie for Simp .