noon
But , senors , the time you have allowed us is much too brief for an effective search to be made , and -- '' `` Did you not say that the search was begun yesterday , and is still being actively prosecuted ? '' interrupted Bascomb . `` Even so , illustrious General , '' answered the interpreter . `` Very well , then , '' retorted the master ; `` if he is in the city , and is alive and well , he will be found before noon . If he is not found , then it will be because some evil has befallen him , for which Cartagena shall be made to suffer . Look in your Inquisition for him , senor ; he is as likely to be there as anywhere . And tell your Inquisitors that if he is not forthcoming by noon , the Inquisition shall be the first building to suffer from our shot .