nine o'clock
Then they heard Purley arranging and re-arranging his bed against his door , and tumbling down upon it , like a man utterly overcome by fatigue and drowsiness ; after which all was silent , until the stertorous breathing of the bailiff assured them of the depth of his sleep . After that , not a sound was heard in the house . Lyon looked at his watch . It was but nine o'clock , though the whole house was at rest . In these remote country places , people go to roost with the fowls , or very soon after . Still for another hour of silent , breathless suspense they waited ; and then they heard a faint tapping on the door that was guarded by Munson . Mr. Berners went up , and tapped gently in response .