about nine o'clock
At least , so I have heard , for I have never been there . '' After walking a few miles , they went down on to the seashore and lay down among some rocks until evening . At eight o'clock they started again and walked boldly through Granville , where their sailor 's dress would , they felt sure , attract no attention . It was about nine o'clock when they entered the place . Their reason for doing so at this hour was that they wished to lay in a stock of provisions , as they did not intend to enter Coutances until late at night ; when they hoped to be able to get hold of a boat , at once . They had just made their purchases when they met a fat little man , with a red sash -- which showed him to be the Maire of the place , or some other public functionary . `` Where are you going , and what ship do you belong to ? ''