about six o'clock in the morning
She had resolved , she said , to make an attempt to save her father 's life , by stopping the postman , an equestrian like herself , and forcing him to deliver up his bags , in which she expected to find the fatal warrant . In pursuance of this design she had brought with her a brace of small pistols , together with a horseman 's cloak , tied up in a bundle , and hung on the crutch of her saddle , and now borrowed from her nurse the attire of her foster-brother , which , as he was a slight-made lad , fitted her reasonably well . She had , by means which it is unnecessary here to detail , possessed herself of the most minute information with regard to the places at which the postmen rested on their journey , one of which was a small public-house , kept by a widow woman , on the outskirts of the little town of Belford . There the man who received the bag at Durham was accustomed to arrive about six o'clock in the morning , and take a few hours ' repose before proceeding farther on his journey . In pursuance of the plan laid down by Miss Cochrane , she arrived at this inn about an hour after the man had composed himself to sleep , in the hope of being able , by the exercise of her wit and dexterity , to ease him of his charge . Having put her horse into the stable , which was a duty that devolved on the guests at this little change-house , from its mistress having no ostler , she entered the only apartment which the house afforded , and demanded some refreshment . `` Sit down at the end of that table , '' said the old woman , `` for the best I have to give you is there already ; and be pleased , my bonny man , to make as little noise as ye can , for there 's ane asleep in that bed that I like ill to disturb . ''