Eleven o'clock
He opened it . Within lay four lines of writing -- no more -- no address , no signature ; simply the words : _ `` It matters now how strait the gate , How charged with punishment the scroll ; I am the master of my fate , I am the captain of my soul . '' _ He stared at the lines . Eleven o'clock -- twelve -- one -- chimed the deep-voiced clock without , before Alwyn went to bed . Miss Wynn had kept a vigil almost as long . She knew that Bles had influential friends who had urged his preferment ; it might be wise to enlist them . Before she fell asleep she had determined to have a talk with Mrs. Vanderpool .