ten o'clock
`` Only an old galley-pot , Martha , '' he lied , and returned to gather up the pieces . These he wrapped in a newspaper and placed in the dresser-drawer , determined to carry them off next day . He was convinced that if Mrs. Bindle were about again before the merciful arrival of the dustman , she would inevitably subject the dust-bin to a rigorous examination . At ten o'clock , Mrs. Hearty heavily descended the stairs and , as well as her breath would permit , she instructed him what to do during the watches of the night . Bindle listened earnestly . Never in his life had he made a linseed poultice , and the management of a steam-kettle was to him a new activity . When he heard about the bed on the couch , he looked the surprise he felt .