two o'clock
I bit my lip savagely ... . Again the chief malefactor lifted up his voice . `` It is my experience , '' he drawled , `` that temerity is born , if not of curiosity , then of ignorance . Now , if there is one vice more than another which I deplore , it is temerity -- especially when it is displayed by a host at two o'clock of a morning . I am therefore going to the root of the matter . In short , I propose to satisfy your very natural curiosity regarding our method of departure , and , incidentally , to show you exactly what you are up against . You see , I believe in prevention . ''