four o'clock
Mallow and Craig were still in their rooms , doubtless sleeping off the debauch of the preceding night . He saw that he must wait . Luncheon he had in town . At four o'clock his inquiries led him into the billiard-annex . His throat tightened a little as he discovered the two men engaged in a game of American billiards . He approached the table quietly . Their interest in the game was deep , possibly due to the wager laid upon the result ; so they did not observe him .