eleven
o'clock
He was quickly obeyed . It was , in truth , '' _ all up _ '' with Titmouse -- at least for a while . As soon as Gammon had thus got rid of his distinguished guest , he ordered the table to be cleared of the glasses , and tea to be ready within half an hour . He then walked out to enjoy the cool evening ; on returning , sat pleasantly sipping his tea , now and then dipping into the edifying columns of the _ Sunday Flash _ , but oftener ruminating upon his recent conversation with Titmouse , and speculating upon certain possible results to himself personally ; and a little after eleven o'clock , that good man , at peace with all the world -- calm and serene -- retired to repose . He had that night rather a singular dream ; it was of a snake encircling a monkey , as if in gentle and playful embrace . Suddenly tightening its folds , a crackling sound was heard ; the writhing coils were then slowly unwound -- and , with a shudder , he beheld the monster licking over the motionless figure , till it was covered with a viscid slime . Then the serpent began to devour his prey ; and , when gorged and helpless , behold , it was immediately fallen upon by two other snakes .