ten o’clock at night
The league being thus formed , Tarlton assumed all the airs of commander , explained his schemes , and laid the plan of attack upon the poor old man 's apple-tree . It was the only one he had the world . We shall not dwell upon their consultation ; for the amusement of contriving such expeditions is often the chief thing which induces idle boys to engage in them . There was a small window at the end of the back staircase , through which , between nine and ten o'clock at night , Tarlton , accompanied by Loveit and another boy , crept out . It was a moonlight night , and after crossing the field , and climbing the gate , directed by Loveit , who now resolved to go through the affair with spirit , they proceeded down the lane with rash yet fearful steps . At a distance Loveit saw the white washed cottage , and the apple-tree beside it . They quickened their pace , and with some difficulty scrambled through the hedge which fenced the garden , though not without being scratched and torn by the briers .