About nine o'clock
Ambler Jevons , who had been seated at the opposite side of the room , got up and rushed away ; therefore I had no chance to get a word with him . He had glanced at me significantly , and I knew well what passed through his mind . Like myself , he was thinking of that strange letter we had found among the dead man 's effects and had agreed to destroy . About nine o'clock that same night I had left Sir Bernard 's and was strolling slowly round to my rooms , when my friend 's cheery voice sounded behind me . He was on his way to have a smoke with me as usual , he explained . So we entered together , and after I had turned up the light and brought out the drinks he flung himself into his habitual chair , and stretching himself wearily said -- `` The affair becomes more mysterious hourly . '' `` How ? ''