midnight
Was it possible for anybody to demand of him , of the firm of Mortimer & Co. , a complete , well-equipped steamer as if he could shake it out of his sleeve ? `` Three minutes have already passed , '' reminded Clary , threatening with her finger . Mortimer was scratching his forehead almost despairingly . It was close upon midnight , all offices closed . Where could he procure a vessel ? `` The five minutes have passed , '' said Clary , coolly , rising to her feet . Madame Caraman breathed more easily when she took hold of the door-handle ; now the nonsensical plan was defeated .