four o'clock
His attitude seemed to say , `` I am going to Africa ; kindly get out of my way . '' At three minutes to nine -- that is to say , in one hour and a half -- Guy Oscard took his seat in the Plymouth express . He had ascertained that a Madeira boat was timed to sail from Dartmouth at eight o'clock that evening . He was preceded by a telegram to Lloyd 's agent at Plymouth : `` Have fastest craft available , steam up ready to put to sea to catch the Banyan African steamer four o'clock to-morrow morning . Expense not to be considered . '' As the train crept out into the night , the butler of the gloomy house in Russell Square , who had finished the port , and was beginning to feel resigned , received a second shock . This came in the form of a carriage and pair , followed by a ring at the bell .