seven o'clock
At its height Perkins appeared , hesitatingly . Nervous and jerky he walked to the center of the stage , and raised his hand begging silence . The audience was stilled . `` Ladies and gentlemen , '' he falteringly said , `` Signor Diotti left his hotel at seven o'clock and was driven to the Academy . The call-boy rapped at his dressing-room , and not receiving a reply , opened the door to find the room empty . We have despatched searchers in every direction and have sent out a police alarm . We fear some accident has befallen the Signor .