nearly eight o'clock
Among other things , he had been thwarted in his resolution to get possession of Angela Diego , whom he intended to have made a slave of the palace . Finding that she had taken refuge with the British consul at his country house , he sent a peremptory order to have the girl returned immediately , and , pending the result of that order , had locked Bacri up in a dungeon , with threats of the bastinado , and even death , in the event of any difficulty being thrown in the way . After this he called for his coffee and pipe , his tame gazelle , chief executioners , and story-teller , resolving to throw the cares of state aside for the night and enjoy himself . It was nearly eight o'clock when this order was given , to the consternation of Hadji Baba and his confederates , who were thus deprived of the power of rendering , in the guard-room , any assistance to the insurrectionists . There was , however , no alternative , -- obedience was imperative . `` Sit down , '' said the Dey to the unfortunate jester , when he entered the presence , limping with much apparent difficulty . `` We will extend clemency to thee , in the hope that thou wilt redeem thy character .