nine
o'clock
He takes the old man by the hand again , as the tears drop from his cheeks . `` A prison is but a grave to the man of honourable feelings , '' he concludes . Thus disclosing his feelings , a rap at the door announces a messenger . It is nine o'clock , and immediately the sheriff , a gentlemanly-looking man , wearing the insignia of office on his hat , walks in , and politely intimates that , painful as may be the duty , he must request his company to the county gaol , that place so accommodatingly prepared for the reception of unfortunates . `` Sorry for your misfortunes , sir ! but we 'll try to make you as comfortable as we can in our place . '' The servitor of the law seems to have some sympathy in him .