eleven o'clock
`` We arrest ye on the charge of not biding in Casterbridge gaol 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 toward 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 officers from Casterbridge gaol 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 .