about noon
`` I have n't been near the library since morning , sir , '' the astonished man exclaimed . `` How about the other servants ? '' `` They are all away but the cook , and she went to bed an hour ago . There was a man here attending to some locks , but he left about noon . '' `` It ca n't be burglars , for they would n't leave the blinds open . We must look into this , '' said Mr. Caruth , as they entered the house . The dog had followed Bruce to the door , and under his protection they entered the library .