twelve o’clock
`` Poor creature ! '' thought the banker , `` he is asleep and most likely dreaming of the millions . And I have only to take this half-dead man , throw him on the bed , stifle him a little with the pillow , and the most conscientious expert would find no sign of a violent death . But let us first read what he has written here ... '' The banker took the page from the table and read as follows : `` To-morrow at twelve o'clock I regain my freedom and the right to associate with other men , but before I leave this room and see the sunshine , I think it necessary to say a few words to you . With a clear conscience I tell you , as before God , who beholds me , that I despise freedom and life and health , and all that in your books is called the good things of the world . `` For fifteen years I have been intently studying earthly life . It is true I have not seen the earth nor men , but in your books I have drunk fragrant wine , I have sung songs , I have hunted stags and wild boars in the forests , have loved women ... .