twelve o'clock
Tom 's father was introduced to Mr. Parker , and , the former , finding that the scientist held some views in common with him , invited the gloomy predictor to remain at the Swift home until the Red Cloud was ready to sail . Tom could not repress a groan at this , but he decided he would have to make the best of it . Mr. Damon left for home that afternoon , promising to be on hand at the time set to start for Phantom Mountain . Tom was up waiting for Mr. Jenks at twelve o'clock that night . Shortly after the hour he saw a dark figure steal into the orchard . At first he feared lest it might be one of the spies who were , he was now convinced , on the trail of the man who was seeking to discover the secret of the diamond makers . But a whistle , which came to the lad 's ear a moment later -LRB- that being a signal Mr. Jenks had agreed to sound -RRB- , told Tom that it was none other than the visitor he expected .