noon
observed Passepartout , nervously . `` We shall be on board by noon , '' replied his master , placidly . It was said so positively that Passepartout could not help muttering to himself , `` Parbleu that 's certain ! Before noon we shall be on board . '' But he was by no means reassured . At half-past eight the door opened , the policeman appeared , and , requesting them to follow him , led the way to an adjoining hall . It was evidently a courtroom , and a crowd of Europeans and natives already occupied the rear of the apartment .