noon
He said , '' observed Darrow , consulting one of the bundle of papers he held in his hand : '' ` My patience is at an end . Your last warning will be sent you at nine-thirty this morning . If you do not sail on the _ Celtic _ at noon , I shall strike , ' and so forth . The _ Celtic _ sailed at noon , without McCarthy . At twelve thirty came the first message to the people calling on them to deliver up the traitor that is among you . ' How did Monsieur X know that McCarthy had not sailed on the _ Celtic _ ? The answer is now unavoidable : either an accomplice must have sent him word to that effect , or he must have determined the fact for himself .