twelve o'clock
`` You do n't think so , or you would not take these liberties with him now . '' The prisoner cast a look of pity on Mr. Lacy . `` Well , you _ are _ green -- what , ca n't you see that I am going out to-day ? Do you think I 'd be such a cully as to tell a pack of greenhorns like you the truth before a sharp hand like our governor , if I was in his power ; no , my term of imprisonment expired at twelve o'clock to-day . '' `` Then why are you here ? '' `` I 'll tell you , sir . Our governor always detains a prisoner for hours after the law sets him free .