the hour of nine
he whispered hoarsely , pointing to the instruments on the brazier . `` Your Highness misunderstands . We are not torturers , we of the Colonne , '' answered Marc ` antonio , gravely . A clock on the mantelpiece tinkled out the hour of nine . `` No , nor shall be murderers , '' I interposed . `` The Princess is yet your mistress , O Marc ` antonio , and I am her husband . In the Princess 's name I command you both that you do not harm him . ''