twelve o'clock
The plain fact was , that that worthy had at that very time completed all arrangements necessary for taking the very decisive step on which he had determined ; and within an hour 's time of handing the Earl of Dreddlington to his carriage , in the way that has been described , had slipped into a boat moored by the water side , and got safely on board a fine brig bound for America , just as she was hauling up anchor , and spreading forth her canvas before a strong steady west wind , which was at that moment bearing him , under the name of Mr. Snooks , rapidly away from the artificial and unsatisfactory state of things which prevailed in the Old World , to a new one , where he hoped there would not exist such impediments in the way of extended commercial enterprise . As soon as the earl had a little recovered from the agitation into which this announcement had thrown him , he hastily rang his bell , and ordered his carriage to be got instantly in readiness . Having put the newspaper into his pocket , he was soon on his way , at a great speed , towards the Poultry , in the City , where was the office of the Company , with the faintest glimmer of a hope that there might be some mistake about the matter . Ordering his servant to let him out the instant that the carriage drew up , the earl , not allowing his servant to anticipate him , got down and rang the bell , the outer door being closed , although it was now twelve o'clock . The words `` ARTIFICIAL RAIN COMPANY '' still shone in gilt letters half a foot long , on the green blind of the window . But all was -- still -- deserted -- dry as Gideon 's fleece ! An old woman presently answered his summons .