noon
He must act with discretion , of course , but he must act as quickly as possible -- it is urgent ! '' `` And what are the conditions , Colonel ? '' After a moment 's reflection , Hofferman replied : `` You must make and get the best conditions you can . '' * * * * * It was noon , and twelve was striking . The vast ministerial premises , where silence had reigned till then , were filled with murmurs and the sharp sound of voices : there were hurrying footsteps on the stairs , doors banged : the offices were emptying for a couple or hours . `` Ah , ha ! '' cried Captain Loreuil , jamming an enormous soft hat down on his head till it all but covered his eyes .