one
o’clock in the afternoon
Though the facts were so few and simple , we talked long , going over the affair again and again . When the Inspector went away , he confidently assured us that everything would soon be straightened out and the assassins run to earth . In the meantime he thought it well to detail guards for the protection of Mr. Hale and myself , and several more to be constantly on the vigil about the house and grounds . After the lapse of a week , at one o'clock in the afternoon , this telegram was received : OFFICE OF THE M. OF M. October 21 , 1899 . MR. EBEN HALE , Money Baron : Dear Sir , -- We are sorry to note how completely you have misunderstood us . You have seen fit to surround yourself and household with armed guards , as though , forsooth , we were common criminals , apt to break in upon you and wrest away by force your twenty millions . Believe us , this is farthest from our intention .