twelve o'clock
Randal owed his place in the lists to the voters that Harley 's personal efforts had procured for him ; and he was well pleased to see that Lord L'Estrange had not withdrawn from him a single promise so obtained . This augured well for Harley 's ready belief in his appointed `` explanations . '' In short , the whole election seemed going just as he had calculated . But by twelve o'clock there were some changes in the relative position of the candidates . Dick Avenel had gradually gained ground , -- passing Randal , passing even Leonard . He stood at the head of the poll by a majority of ten . Randal came next .