ten o'clock before
It was learned that , directly after the fatal act , Herr von Abonyi had saddled a horse and ridden alone to the city to denounce himself . It was late in the evening when he reached the examining magistrate 's house . The latter , an old friend of Abonyi , was much troubled and shocked , and it was long ere he could collect himself sufficiently to be able to take the deposition of the acknowledged criminal . It was ten o'clock before all the formalities were settled , then the magistrate , deeply agitated , took leave of his unfortunate friend . The former had not considered it necessary to arrest him , as Abonyi had pledged his word of honor to hold himself always ready to obey the summons of the court . Panna of course heard these tales , as well as other people , and she also noticed how they were received in the village . There were numerous comments , some foolish , some sensible ; as usual , opposite parties were formed ; one condemned Abonyi 's being left at liberty , the other thought it perfectly natural , since it could not be supposed that so great and rich a man as Carl von Abonyi would make his escape under cover of the darkness , like a strolling vagabond who has nothing but a staff and a knapsack .