four o'clock in the morning
An expert accountant would have to come in and go over his books . Butler might spread the news of this city-treasury connection . Stener might complain of this last city-loan transaction . A half-dozen of his helpful friends stayed with him until four o'clock in the morning ; but he had to suspend just the same . And when he did that , he knew he was seriously crippled if not ultimately defeated in his race for wealth and fame . When he was really and finally quite alone in his private bedroom he stared at himself in the mirror . His face was pale and tired , he thought , but strong and effective .