12 o'clock precisely
Beyond the veranda was a small cleared garden , bounded with cactus hedges and adorned with clumps of flowering shrubs , round which the great blue butterflies and the tiny humming-birds fluttered and darted in crescents of sparkling light . Within we were seated round the cane table , on which lay a sealed envelope . Inscribed upon it , in the jagged handwriting of Professor Challenger , were the words : -- `` Instructions to Lord John Roxton and party . To be opened at Manaos upon July 15th , at 12 o'clock precisely . '' Lord John had placed his watch upon the table beside him . `` We have seven more minutes , '' said he . `` The old dear is very precise . ''