noon
`` No I never did , '' said Mrs. Minturn ; `` but James , I do n't understand . Tell me quickly and plainly . '' `` Chaffner just gave me the figures , '' he said , holding over a slip of paper . `` If that amount is to Mr. Winton 's credit on his account with the city , at the Universal Bank before noon -- nothing at all . If it 's _ not _ , disgrace for them , and I started it by putting Bruce on the case . I 'll raise as much as I can , but I ca n't secure enough by that time without men knowing it . Mr. Winton has undoubtedly gone to try to secure what he needs ; but he 's going to be too late .