five o'clock
A very uncomfortable , peculiar look came over the speaker 's face . `` I wonder if you have heard of the terrible thing which happened yesterday at Wyndfell Hall ? '' he asked abruptly . `` I only left the house at five o'clock , '' exclaimed Dr. Panton ; and then , as he saw the look of gravity deepen on the other man 's face , he asked : `` Was there a fire there last night ? I trust not ! '' `` No , '' said the other , slowly , `` nothing has happened to the house , Dr. Panton . But your friend Mr. Varick is dead .