about eight o'clock in the evening
Within a week after the capture of the Dead Man and David the butler , those two villains were inmates of the State Prison at Sing Sing -- the former to fulfil his original sentence of imprisonment for life , and the latter to undergo an imprisonment for five years , for his participation in the attempted robbery of Mr. Sydney . Fred Archer , on escaping from the officer in the manner which we have described , made his way to the Dark Vaults , where he remained concealed for several days , not venturing to appear abroad . At the end of a week he began to grow impatient of the restraint , and , conceiving that no great danger would be incurred if he left his place of refuge in the darkness of night , he resolved to do so ; moreover , he was destitute of money , and entertained some hope of being able to extort a sum from his unfortunate wife , whom he had driven to prostitution . Accordingly , at about eight o'clock in the evening , he left the Vaults by means of the secret outlet before alluded to and gaining the street , proceeded at a rapid pace towards the Bowery . In the breast of his coat he carried a huge Bowie knife , with which to defend himself in case any attempt should be made to arrest him . That very day , Frank Sydney , mindful of his promise , had succeeded in obtaining a situation for Mrs. Archer , in the family of an old lady , an aunt of his , who required the attendance of a young woman as a companion and nurse , she being an invalid . In the afternoon , Mrs. Archer received a visit from the boy , Clinton , who came to announce to her the joyful intelligence of a good home having been secured for her ; he then placed the following brief note from Frank in her hands : -- ` Mrs. Archer , -- Madame : I shall this evening call upon you , to confirm the words of my messenger .