twelve o'clock
CHAPTER IV . A Gallant Deed that Leads to Evil Two days later Christopher met Fletcher in the little room behind the store and paid down the three hundred dollars in the presence of Sam Murray . Several loungers , who had been seasoning their drinks with leisurely stories , hastily drained their glasses and withdrew at Fletcher 's entrance , and when the three men came together to settle the affair of the mortgage they were alone in the presence of the tobacco-stained walls , the square pine table with its dirty glasses , and the bills of notice posted beside the door . Among them Christopher had seen the public advertisement of his farm -- a rambling statement in large letters , signifying that the place would be sold for debt on Monday , the twenty-fifth of September , at twelve o'clock . `` I want the money right flat down . Are you sure you 've got it ? '' were Fletcher 's first words after his start of angry surprise .