nine o'clock
The professor , though , knew his old friend better , yet he forebore to put a question . He knew that , when Doctor Keltridge was quite ready , he was wont to speak ; but not before . Doctor Keltridge 's cigar , smoked in Reed 's room , lasted long , that night ; above it , the doctor was silent , indolent , and yet alert to every change in the face before him . At nine o'clock , he rose , dived into his breast pocket and pulled out a little case . An instant later , he had bent above the couch . `` Now , Ramsdell , '' he said cheerily , when he had once more tucked the rug in about Opdyke 's arm ; `` you 'd better get this fellow into bed at once . If he is n't sound asleep , inside an hour , you 'll know what to do .