eleven p.m. on the twelfth of
May
`` But the victory is not all on one side yet . Of course , you will understand that I am not in a position to give secrets away , but as regards our own bargain , I am at liberty to tell you that while you are building this cannon of ours there will probably be some developments in the war which will be , I think , as unexpected as they will be startling . `` In fact , sir , '' he continued , rising from his seat and holding out his hand across the table , `` I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet , but when the time comes , I think you will find that those who believe that they are conquering England now will be here in Bolton faced by a foe against which their finest artillery will be as useless as an air-gun against an elephant . `` All I ask you to remember now is that at eleven p.m. on the twelfth of May , the leaders of the nations who are fighting against England now will be standing around me in the quarry on the Belmont Road , waiting for the firing of the shot which I hope will save the world . If it does not save it , they will be welcome to all that is left of the world in an hour after that . '' `` You are talking like a man who believes what he says , Mr Lennard , '' replied Mr Barlow , `` and , strange and all as it seems , I am beginning to believe with you . There never was a business like this given into human hands before , and , for the sake of humanity , I hope that you will be successful .