the hour of
12
`` Excuse me , it 's 2 p.m. '' `` 12 noon , '' said Sir Timothy . `` 2 p.m. , '' repeated Mr. Courtney . Sir Timothy took out his watch . The hands were together at the hour of 12 . He showed it to Mr. Courtney , who grinned . Sir Timothy scowled at him and turned fiercely to a police sergeant who stood by . `` Sergeant , '' he said , `` what time is it ? ''