eight o'clock
There were several such cloud-bursts in the course of the afternoon ; and each time the refuse of the city was whirled past on the flood , to be left as an edging to the footpaths when the water went down . Mahony spent the rest of the day in getting together a fresh load of goods . For , whether he lost or won his suit , the store had to be restocked without delay . That evening towards eight o'clock the two men turned out of the Lowther Arcade . The night was cold , dark and wet ; and they had wound comforters round their bare throats . They were on their way to the Mechanics ' Hall , to hear a lecture on Mesmerism . Mahony had looked forward to this all through the sorry job of choosing soaps and candles .