ten o'clock
He clasped my hand warmly , and withdrew , leaving me alone with the aide , half-ashamed , I confess , of having been compelled to deceive . Yet the very ease of it all stimulated endeavor , and I conversed lightly with Mabry over the mess table , and , when the orderly returned with the necessary pass , I was keen to start upon my round of inspection , utterly forgetful of having been up , and in saddle , all night . Mabry could not leave his duties to accompany me , but courteously furnished a fresh horse , and assigned a private of dragoons to guide me about the city . By ten o'clock we were off , my only fear being the possible meeting with some acquaintance . In this , however , I was happily disappointed , as there were few civilians on the streets , the throngs of soldiers , off duty for a holiday , with all discipline relaxed , being boisterous , and considerably under the influence of liquor . Quarrels between them were frequent , the British regulars and Loyalists seldom meeting without exchange of words and blows . The uniform worn , together with my dragoon guard , saved me from trouble , and I found the fellow sufficiently intelligent to be of value .