eleven o'clock
At this Foxington laughed derisively , saying that it sounded very like a put-off . ` Not at all , ' returned Wilford ; ` and to show you that I never say a thing without being ready to act up to it , I am willing to stake five hundred guineas against the mare herself that I go up to her and put the bridle on without any assistance , and without a stick or anything whatsoever in my hands . ' Foxington accepted the bet gladly , reckoning himself safe to pocket the five hundred guineas . The affair was to come off the next morning at Foxington 's stables , at eleven o'clock . His lordship had invited all the men who had been present when the bet was made to come and witness the event , expecting a complete triumph over Wilford . While they were standing about waiting Foxington told them of his own attempt , and his conviction , from the experience he had then gained , that the thing could not be done ; and the general opinion was that Wilford , under the influence of wine , had foolishly boasted of a thing which he would ~ 180 ~ ~ not be able to accomplish , and was certain to lose his money . As the time drew near , and he did not make his appearance , an idea began to gain ground that he meant to shirk the affair altogether ; and Foxington was becoming exceedingly irate , when , just as the clock was on the stroke of eleven , the sound of a horse 's feet was heard , and Wilford cantered quietly up , looking as if he felt no personal interest whatever in the event .