noon
Our attorney had the pleasure of an interview with you , recently , at which time he specified a sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars , as being sufficient . A further investigation of the probable value of the jewels , having convinced us that we were in slight error as to their present worth , induces us to reduce the amount , which we claim as our share , to two hundred thousand dollars . This is the minimum of our demand , however , and we have taken the ladies , aforesaid , as security for its prompt payment . `` They will be held in all comfort and respect -LRB- if no effort at rescue be attempted -- otherwise we will deal with them as we see fit -RRB- , for the period of ten days from the receipt of this letter , which will be at noon to-morrow . If the sum indicated is not paid , they will , at the expiration of the ten days , be turned over to the tender mercies of the crew . -- Understand ? `` As to the manner of payment -- You , yourself , must go to Annapolis , and , between eleven and twelve in the morning , proceed to the extreme edge of Greenberry Point and remain standing , in full view from the Bay , for the space of fifteen minutes .