noon
`` Mr. Clymer has telephoned to ask if you will come to the Metropolis Trust Company at once , '' he said , and before Kent could frame a reply he had darted into the coat closet and brought out his hat and cane , and handed them to him . `` Do n't wait for me , but go out for your luncheon , '' directed Kent , observing the hour . `` I have my key and can get in when I return if you should not be here , '' and not waiting to hear Sylvester 's thanks , he hurried away . The clock over the bank had just struck noon when Kent reached the fine office building which housed the Metropolis Trust Company , and as he entered the bank , a messenger stopped him . `` Mr. Clymer is waiting for you in his private office , sir , '' he said , and led the way past the long rows of mahogany counters and plate glass windows to the back of the bank , finally stopping before a door bearing the name , in modest lettering -- BENJAMIN AUGUSTUS CLYMER . The bank president was sensitive on one point ; he never permitted initials only to be used before his name . The messenger 's deferential knock was answered by a gruff command to enter .