nine o'clock
The next night was too bright and clear for anything beyond a reconnoissance , and he saw evidences of an alertness which made him very cautious . He did not seek another interview with Mr. Alford , for now nothing was to be gained by it . The next day proved cloudy , and with night began a violent storm of wind and rain . Brandt cowered over his fire till nine o'clock , and then taking a slight draught from his flask , chuckled , `` This is glorious weather for my work . Here 's to Clara 's luck this time ! '' In little over an hour he started for the mine , near which he concealed his horse . Stealing about in the deep shadows , he soon satisfied himself that no one was on the watch , and then approaching the rear of Bute 's shanty , found to his joy that the pony was in the shed .