noon
A key turned in the padlock and the bolt was raised . Old man Spantz stood in the doorway , peering in at them . In surly tones Truxton replied to his sharp query , saying that the candle had gone out while he slept . `` It is noon , '' said the old man irascibly . Then he came in and lighted a candle . `` Noon of the 25th , '' said Truxton bitterly . `` In twenty-four hours it will be all over , eh , Spantz ? ''