twelve o'clock
A bottle of wine was placed on the table , for a little refreshment would be welcome from time to time if the night was to be passed sitting up . Beside it lay the two revolvers , and two good-sized candles had also been lighted , for Herr Sesemann was determined not to wait for ghosts in any half light . The door was shut close to prevent the light being seen in the hall outside , which might frighten away the ghost . And now the two gentlemen sat comfortably back in the arm-chairs and began talking of all sorts of things , now and then pausing to take a good draught of wine , and so twelve o'clock struck before they were aware . `` The ghost has got scent of us and is keeping away to-night , '' said the doctor . `` Wait a bit , it does not generally appear before one o'clock , '' answered his friend . They started talking again .