midday
`` At noon ? '' repeated Cornelius ; `` what does that mean ? Well , let us wait until the clock strikes twelve , and we shall see . '' It was very easy for Cornelius to wait for twelve at midday , as he was already waiting for nine at night . It struck twelve , and there were heard on the staircase not only the steps of Gryphus , but also those of three or four soldiers , who were coming up with him . The door opened . Gryphus entered , led his men in , and shut the door after them .