twelve o'clock
`` Very good ! '' he cried , laughing now . `` There ; be off , and get together what tools you have , and as soon as the servants have gone to bed , we 'll go and open the old cellar ourselves . '' It was exactly twelve o'clock by the chiming timepiece in the hall . Just the hour for such a task , I felt with a sort of shiver , as Sir John came down to the pantry , where I had candles ready , and a small crowbar used for opening packing-cases , and a screw-driver . `` Everybody seems quiet up-stairs , Burdon , '' says Sir John , `` so let 's get to work at once . -- But , hillo !