12 o'clock
`` I am pleased to meet you , '' said Mellish quietly ; `` any friend of Hammerly 's is welcome . Make yourself at home . '' Edging away from the two , Mellish said in a quick whisper to Sotty , the bartender : `` Go and tell the doorkeeper to warn Thompson , or any of the rest of the Argus boys , that their boss is in here . '' At 12 o'clock that night the local editor sat in his room . `` Is that you , Thompson ? '' he shouted , as he heard a step . `` Yes , sir ; '' answered Thompson , coming into the presence .