five o'clock
A few thrust their torches down towards the pit where the sailor knelt . Taffy did not look , but gave the word to pass down the coffin which had been brought in readiness . A clergyman -- his father 's successor , but a stranger to him -- climbed down after it : and he stood in the quiet crowd watching the light-house above and the lamps which the groom had lit in Honoria 's carriage , and listening to the bated voices of the few at their dreadful task below . It was five o'clock and past before the word came up to lower the tackle and draw the coffin up . The Vicar clambered out to wait it , and when it came , borrowed a lantern and headed the bearers . The crowd fell in behind . `` I am the resurrection and the life ... '' They began to shuffle forwards and up the difficult track ; but presently came to a halt with one accord , the Vicar ceasing in the middle of a sentence .