a quarter past twelve
He would be inside the room in three seconds after entering the corridor and finding the apartment he sought wrapped in darkness . `` But this is n't New York , '' the boy mused . `` This is the Orient , and the patience of the Orient , and the stupidity of the Orient ! '' At exactly a quarter past twelve there was a commotion in the corridor . Several people seemed to be moving toward the door of Ned 's room . Once there was a little cry of alarm . Ned looked out of his window .