nine o'clock
`` Very good , sir , '' answered Billings as he went out . In a few moments he was back with the news that Forsythe had profanely denied the request . Whereat Denman 's heart hardened the more . He remained quiet until two bells -- nine o'clock -- had struck , then went out and approached the after door , just in time to see Florrie 's shadow pass across the glass as she mounted the stairs . He waited , and in about five minutes she came down , and , no doubt seeing his shadow on the door , tapped gently . He promptly opened it , and she said : `` Leave the door open and I will throw you my things in a minute . They are drinking up there . ''