twelve o'clock
He chained him to the spot with his glance for a minute or two , and then said slowly , and with a deep sigh -- `` Very well ; I _ hope _ you have spoken the truth ; but whether you have or no , we shall soon discover . The school , and especially the upper boys , will remember what I have said . I shall now tear down the insulting notice , and put it into your hands , Avonley , as head of the school , that you may make further inquiries . '' He left the room , and the boys resumed their usual avocation till twelve o'clock . But poor Eric could hardly get through his ordinary pursuits ; he felt sick and giddy , until everybody noticed his strange embarrassed manner , and random answers . No sooner had twelve o'clock struck , than the whole school broke up into knots of buzzing and eager talkers . `` I wonder who did it , '' said a dozen voices at once .