twelve o'clock
These were : Mr. Van Rawlston , Mr. Randolph , Mr. Fisher , Mr. Neuilly , who had decided to spend the winter in New York , Mr. Thauret , and several other gentlemen . It lacked barely half a minute of ten when Mr. Barnes was announced , and entered in handsome evening dress . Mr. Mitchel 's face wore a look of triumph as he saw him , and he hurried forward to receive him . Every one present understood why the detective was invited , for it was by this time well known that a wager was to be decided at twelve o'clock . After the exchange of greetings , Mr. Mitchel gave the waiters the order to open the doors of the dining-room , and in the moment 's interval managed to get a word with the detective . `` Tell me quickly , have you succeeded ? '' `` Yes , thoroughly . ''