nine o'clock
The Duchman sails on the flud to-night . -- Finn . '' This , if it meant anything , meant foul play , and crushing the paper into my pocket , I lost not a moment in regaining my boat and making all sail for Knockowen . It was nine o'clock when I came alongside his honour 's jetty , and once more demanded entrance of the sentry . This time I was received even more suspiciously than in the morning , and was allowed to wait for nearly half-an-hour before it was decided that I might safely be admitted into the premises . For this irritating delay I had probably to thank the impatience with which I met the sentinel 's questions ; for when at last I found myself at the house , his honour met me with an inquiry why I had delayed my coming to so late an hour . `` It is four long leagues to Malin , '' said he , `` and on such a road you are not likely to be there before midnight , when the inn will be closed .