ten o'clock
At a dwelling more remarkable than the one we were about to enter no man has knocked or will knock in all the years to come . We were like human animals which burrow in a rocky bank a mile from any land . There were mysteries and wonders above , I made sure ; and there was always the doubt , such doubt as comes to men who go to a merciless enemy and say , `` Give us bread . '' Now , I left my comrades at ten o'clock that night , when all sounds had died away above and the voice of the sea growing angrier told me that my steps would not be heard . `` I shall go to Czerny , lads , '' said I , at the moment of leaving them , `` and he will hear the story . I 'll do my best for good shipmates , trust me ; and if I do not come back -- well , you 'll know that I can not . Good night , old comrades .