twelve o'clock
I shall give 'em another ten thousand . '' `` Generous hero ! '' said I , `` and I shall go and restore this cash to my employers . '' It was twelve o'clock when I left the Golden House and strolled quietly down to Liberty Street . The larger part of the soldiers had been drawn off , but a couple of companies still kept guard in the _ Piazza _ . The usual occupations of life were going on amid a confused stir of excitement , and I saw by the interest my appearance aroused that some part at least of my share in the night 's doing had leaked out . The _ Gazette _ had published a special edition , in which it hailed the advent of freedom , and , while lauding McGregor to the skies , bestowed a warm commendation on the `` noble Englishman who , with a native love of liberty , had taken on himself the burden of Aureataland in her hour of travail . ''