midnight
The melancholy incident I have described made Clarke yet more eager to leave the town . He had settled with Houseman that he would abscond that very night , not wait for the next , as at first he had intended . His jewels and property were put in a small compass . He had arranged that he would , towards midnight or later , quit his lodging ; and about a mile from the town , Houseman had engaged to have a chaise in readiness . For this service Clarke had promised Houseman a reward , with which the latter appeared contented . It was arranged that I should meet Houseman and Clarke at a certain spot in their way from the town , and there -- ! Houseman appeared at first fearful , lest I should relent and waver in my purpose .