about twelve o'clock
What nonsense ! '' And Simon broke into a nervous laugh , while the Indian , still impassive , resumed : `` Among other matters , the maid told me of a public-house , frequented by rather doubtful people , where Rolleston , a great whiskey-drinker , was a familiar customer . This information was found to be correct . The barman , whom I tipped lavishly , told me that Rolleston had just been there , at about twelve o'clock , that he had enlisted half-a-dozen rascals who were game for anything and that the object of the expedition was the wreck of the _ Queen Mary _ . I was now fully informed . The whole complicated business was beginning to have a meaning ; and I at once made the necessary preparations , though I made a point of coming back here constantly , so that I might be present when you awoke and tell you the news . Moreover , I took care that your friend , Mr. Sandstone , should watch over you ; and I locked your pocketbook , which was lying there for anybody to help himself from , in this drawer .