twelve o'clock
It was as though some one had heard what had been said -- some one who ought not to have heard . That is exactly what had happened . Rudyard had not gone home . He had started to do so ; but , remembering that he had told Krool to come at twelve o'clock if any cables arrived , that he might go himself to the cable-office , if necessary , and reply , he passed from the hallway into a little room off the card-room , where there was a sofa , and threw himself down to rest and think . He knew that the crisis in South Africa must come within a few hours ; that Oom Paul would present an ultimatum before the British government was ready to act ; and that preparations must be made on the morrow to meet all chances and consequences . Preparations there had been , but conditions altered from day to day , and what had been arranged yesterday morning required modification this evening . He was not heedless of his responsibilities because he was at the gaming-table ; but these were days when he could not bear to be alone .