one o'clock in the morning
You further declare that you met him on the very night he committed the murder we are now investigating ? '' `` I do so declare , '' said Mr. Can not confidently . `` Though in the best of health myself , '' -- he beamed round the court , a now amused , attentive court -- `` it is my fate to be surrounded by sick people , to have only ailing friends . I have to trouble you with my private affairs , Mr. Coroner , in order to explain why I happened to be out at so undue an hour as one o'clock in the morning -- '' Again a titter ran through the court . Even the jury broke into broad smiles . `` Yes , '' went on the witness solemnly , `` I was with a sick friend -- in fact , I may say a dying friend , for since then he has passed away . I will not reveal my exact dwelling-place ; you , sir , have it on my notepaper .