seven o’clock
He clapped the boy on the back , and after referring to a clasp-knive which he remembered to have left on the grass opposite the Pedlar 's Rest , announced his intention of going back for it . He did go back as far as a bend in the road , and , after watching Bassett out of sight , hastened with expectant steps into the inn . He rested there for an hour , and , much refreshed , walked slowly into Salthaven . It was past seven o'clock , and somewhat at a loss how to spend the evening he was bending his steps toward the Lobster Pot , a small inn by the quay , when in turning a corner he came into violent collision with a fashionably attired lady . `` I beg pardon , ma'am , '' he stammered . `` I 'm very sorry . I did n't see where I was -- Why !