six
minutes after twelve
`` I take this money , '' said Mr. Martin , looking up with a peculiar expression on his face , `` because it is delivered by you , but I shall return it to Dunn & Son to-morrow . '' `` That is your business , Mr. Martin , '' said Bart politely . `` It is , and -- something more ! I call on you and your witnesses to notice that the fifteen thousand dollars was not delivered to me until six minutes after twelve , too late to make the tender legal , which makes the contract null and void . '' Mr. Martin , with a triumphant sweep of his hand , pointed to a big clock at the end of the long hall . `` I beg your pardon , '' said Bart , holding up his watch , `` but I keep official time , and it is exactly thirty seconds to midnight . Listen ! ''