nine o’clock
`` My dear Edward , Mary and I will accept it gladly , but only on the condition that it will cause no delay , or take us the least out of the road . '' `` It will do neither , '' replied Lord Glenarvan . `` Besides , our bullocks are fatigued , and we will start to-morrow at daybreak . '' It was now nine o'clock ; the moon was just beginning to rise , but her rays were only slanting yet , and lost in the mist . It was gradually getting dark when the little party entered the wide streets of Seymour , under Paganel 's guidance , who seemed always to know what he had never seen ; but his instinct led him right , and he walked straight to Campbell 's North British Hotel . The Major without even leaving the hotel , was soon aware that fear absorbed the inhabitants of the little town . Ten minutes ' conversation with Dickson , the loquacious landlord , made him completely acquainted with the actual state of affairs ; but he never breathed a word to any one .