three o'clock
Whether Mr. Brithwood was seized with some indefinite alarm , he himself best knew why , or whether John 's manner irresistibly compelled him to civility , as the stronger always compels the weaker , I can not tell -- but he signed to the clerk to leave the room . `` And , Jones , send back all the others to the lock-up house till tomorrow . Bless my life ! it 's near three o'clock . They ca n't expect to keep a gentleman 's dinner waiting -- these low fellows . '' I suppose this referred only to the culprits outside ; at all events , we chose to take it so . `` Now -- you , sir -- perhaps you 'll despatch your business ; the sooner the better . ''