two o'clock
`` Very well , Mr. Smith , '' said Carteret , recognizing the speaker . `` With your permission , I will formulate the oath , and Mr. Delamere may repeat it after me , if he will . I solemnly swear , '' -- `` I solemnly swear , '' -- Mr. Delamere 's voice might have come from the tomb , so hollow and unnatural did it sound . `` So help me God , '' -- `` So help me God , '' -- `` That the negro Sandy Campbell , now in jail on the charge of murder , robbery , and assault , was in my presence last night between the hours of eight and two o'clock . '' Mr. Delamere repeated this statement in a firm voice ; but to Ellis , who was in the secret , his words fell upon the ear like clods dropping upon the coffin in an open grave . `` I wish to add , '' said General Belmont , stepping forward , `` that it is not our intention to interfere , by anything which may be done at this meeting , with the orderly process of the law , or to advise the prisoner 's immediate release . The prisoner will remain in custody , Mr. Delamere , Major Carteret , and I guaranteeing that he will be proved entirely innocent at the preliminary hearing to-morrow morning . ''