midnight
It was in excellent order , and was provided with two barrels , both of which he loaded . Thus , he would have a double chance to defend himself . He did not remove all his clothing , but kept on his pants , in order to be prepared for emergencies . There was an hour and a half to wait before midnight . The minutes passed slowly . Herbert for a time heard the murmur of voices in the barroom below , then steps ascended the stairs , and , after a while , all was hushed . `` I wish the fellow would come quick , '' he thought , `` if he is coming at all , so that it might be all over , and I might go to sleep . ''