a few minutes before twelve o'clock
There was no use selling at ruinous figures , and he gave his lieutenants orders to stop . Unless the bankers favored him heavily , or the stock exchange was closed , or Stener could be induced to deposit an additional three hundred thousand with him at once , he was ruined . He hurried down the street to various bankers and brokers suggesting that they do this -- close the exchange . At a few minutes before twelve o'clock he drove rapidly to the station to meet Stener ; but to his great disappointment the latter did not arrive . It looked as though he had missed his train . Cowperwood sensed something , some trick ; and decided to go to the city hall and also to Stener 's house . Perhaps he had returned and was trying to avoid him .