noon
When he found himself in his boarding-house room with the door locked , he flung off his coat and settled down to read over once more the wonderful letter . It was written in the customary vein of the explorer -- as if he was talking to his reader . '' _ My dear Charlie _ : -- '' _ Draw your time and beat it for New York . Meet me at the Explorers ' Club at noon of the 22nd . Bring Jack Sawtooth ditto . You do n't know him but you will soon . We 're going to Africa -- sail the night of the 22nd , so hump yourself , old man !