two o'clock
Glazzard could stand and walk no longer . He threw himself on a seat , crossed his arms , and remained motionless until the ringing of a bell and a sudden turning on of lights warned him that his train drew near . On the way to Polterham he dozed , and only a fortunate awaking at the last moment saved him from passing his station . It was now close upon two o'clock , and he had a two-mile walk to Highmead . His brother believed that he was spending the evening with an acquaintance in a neighbouring town ; he had said he should probably be very late , and a side door was to be left unbarred that he might admit himself with a latch-key . But for a policeman here and there , the streets were desolate . Wherever the lamplight fell upon a wall or hoarding , it illumined election placards , with the names of the candidates in staring letters , and all the familiar vulgarities of party advertising .