ten
o'clock
If those lakes had only contained brook trout he would move his store to the Lakes Settlement ; as it was , he thought of setting up a branch establishment , and getting a partner to occupy the two places of business alternately with him . The Richards boys were pleased to think that their new acquaintance was likely to be a permanent one , and made Mr. Bigglethorpe many sincere offers of assistance in his fishing , and subordinate commercial , ventures . At eight Mr. Bangs came down the hill , and posted one of the Richards as sentry , while the fisherman indulged in his evening smoke , preparatory to turning in under the skiff with his friend Bill . `` I went that fire put out , gentlemen , '' said the detective , `` net now , but say efter ten o'clock , as it might help the enemy to spy us out , '' to which Bill Richards replied : `` All right , cap'n ; she 'll be dead black afore ten . '' Rufus was placed on the hill side to communicate between the distant posts ; Timotheus overlooked the encampment ; and Sylvanus was given the station on the road . Mr. Bangs walked about nervously , and the lawyer and Mr. Terry , bringing some clean coverlets out of the boarding-house , spread them on the chip-covered ground , and lay down to smoke their pipes and talk of many things . `` Oi tuk to yeez , sorr , '' said the veteran with warmth , `` soon as Oi mit ye in the smokin ' carr , and to think what a dale av loife we 've seen since , an ' here 's you an ' me , savin ' yer prisince , as thick as thaves . ''