eight o'clock
He laid the poor girl 's body on the floor in the middle of the room ; then , approaching a little gas stove , he detached the india-rubber tube and slipped the end of it between his victim 's teeth . He turned the gas tap ... `` Perfect ! '' he said , as he straightened himself . `` To-morrow morning , early , at eight o'clock , or at nine , the excellent Madame Bourrat will open the meter . The narcotic this child has taken will prevent her from waking , so that , without suffering , without cries , quite gently -- pfuit ! ... sweet Elizabeth will pass from life to death ! ... But it will not do to linger here ... let us find Jules and give him the necessary instructions ! ''