noon
As evidence that he was constantly watched , this had occurred during a brief visit which he had made to the bedroom in quest of matches . When he returned the table was in its former place , but the cover had been removed . He carefully examined the floor beneath it , and realized that there was no hope of depressing the trap from above . Then , at an hour which he judged to be that of noon , the same voice addressed him from beyond the gilded screen . `` Mr. Paul Harley ? '' `` Yes , what have you to say ? '' `` By this time , Mr. Harley , you must have recognized that opposition is futile .