ten o'clock
Robert was up-stairs when Betty emptied her news-bag , and so heard nothing of this bit of gossip . He had just assured Shargar that as soon as his grandmother was asleep he would look about for what he could find , and carry it up to him in the garret . As yet he had confined the expenditure out of Shargar 's shilling to twopence . The household always retired early -- earlier on Saturday night in preparation for the Sabbath -- and by ten o'clock grannie and Betty were in bed . Robert , indeed , was in bed too ; but he had lain down in his clothes , waiting for such time as might afford reasonable hope of his grandmother being asleep , when he might both ease Shargar 's hunger and get to sleep himself . Several times he got up , resolved to make his attempt ; but as often his courage failed and he lay down again , sure that grannie could not be asleep yet . When the clock beside him struck eleven , he could bear it no longer , and finally rose to do his endeavour .