noon
`` What driveling tommyrot ! Besides , I do n't believe any of them had a hand in this . How could they ? Why , I tell you , there was n't a soul in this room between noon and twelve forty-five to-day ; and yet , with me facing that door , these things appear right at my elbow . It -- it 's getting on my nerves , and , by the seven sizzling sisters , I want to know what it all means ! '' `` We could have in the detectives , '' suggests Piddie . `` If it was a bomb or an infernal machine , I might , '' says Mr. Ellins scornful ; `` but to trace a few dad-blistered flowers -- no , thank you !