eleven o'clock
` We arrest ` ee on the charge of not biding in Casterbridge jail in a decent proper manner to be hung to-morrow morning . Neighbours , do your duty , and seize the culpet ! ' On hearing the charge , the man seemed enlightened , and , saying not another word , resigned himself with preternatural civility to the search - party , who , with their staves in their hands , surrounded him on all sides , and marched him back towards the shepherd 's cottage . It was eleven o'clock by the time they arrived . The light shining from the open door , a sound of men 's voices within , proclaimed to them as they approached the house that some new events had arisen in their absence . On entering they discovered the shepherd 's living room to be invaded by two officers from Casterbridge jail , and a well-known magistrate who lived at the nearest country-seat , intelligence of the escape having become generally circulated . ` Gentlemen , ' said the constable , ` I have brought back your man -- not without risk and danger ; but every one must do his duty !