noon
But the hotel clerk saw that Ralph was green , so he took no responsibility upon his own shoulders . He said he would notify the police , but it was likely nothing would be heard of Jackson Walters . The matter was talked over for half an hour , and then Ralph left the place to see if he could trace up the thief . He walked around until noon , without any success . `` This is the worst yet , '' he muttered to himself , as he at last came to a halt down near one of the ferries . `` Here I am in the city without a cent in my pocket . What in the world shall I do ? ''