three o'clock
He heard the drowsy accents of the night porter and the swinging of the door -- they were in the street ! Wherever they were going , or for what purpose , HE must be at the station , as he had warned them he would be . He hastily threw a few things into his valise , and prepared to follow them . When he went downstairs he informed the porter that owing to an urgent call of business he should try to catch the through express at three o'clock , but they must retain his room and luggage until they heard from him . He remembered Don Caesar 's letter . Had either of the gentlemen , his friends who had just gone out , left a letter or message ? No , Excellency ; the gentlemen were talking earnestly -- he believed , in the South American language -- and had not spoken to him .