noon
Just then , when Matthew was at his wits ' end , the police man who guarded the front door entered the room , and delivered a note to Mr. Whedell . That gentleman perused it languidly , and passed it to Matthew . `` Good news , '' said he . `` Mr. Abernuckle , the owner of these premises , who was intending to move in to-day , writes that he will not be able to take possession until noon to-morrow . Therefore , I say , let the creditors employ an auctioneer , hang out the red flag , sell , and divide , before that period arrives . '' The large creditors were silent -- Quigg veiling his dissatisfaction under a look of complete misanthropy -- but the small ones , headed by Rickarts , the shoemaker , highly commended it . `` Besides , '' added a butter man , who had originally been in the mock-auction line , `` do n't ye see , we can all stay at the auction , and kind o ' bid on the things .