nine o’clock
`` I am solemnly bound . '' `` You ca n't have a better counseller than Tanner , '' urged his wife , getting curious ; `` you had better tell us . '' `` I want no counsel ; I want that which you can give me if you choose -- information . My father instructed me that if certain circumstances occurred it was a matter of the last urgency that I should see him this evening and before nine o'clock , I was to call here and obtain from you the direction where to find him ; the direction , '' she added in a lowered tone , and looking Tanner full in the face , `` where they hold their secret council to-night . '' `` Hem ! '' said Tanner : `` I see you 're on the free-list . And pray how am I to know you _ are _ Gerard 's daughter ? ''