twelve o'clock
Melinda continued her story , and the directors were somewhat impressed . `` I propose , '' said Mr. Manning , `` that we get out a search-warrant and search Mrs. Larkin 's cottage . That box may be the one missing from the bank . '' Just after twelve o'clock , when Luke was at home eating dinner , a knock was heard at the front door . `` I 'll go , mother , '' said Luke , and he rose from the table , and , going into the entry , opened the outer door . His surprise may be imagined when he confronted Squire Duncan and the gentlemen already mentioned as directors of the Groveton bank . `` Did you wish to see mother ? ''