nine o'clock
I should say the most dangerous time is between nine o'clock and midnight . She generally goes off to bed at nine or soon after , and she might very well put on her hood and cloak and steal downstairs at once , knowing that she would not be missed till morning . Another dangerous time would be when she goes out to a neighbour 's . The Captain always takes her , and goes to fetch her at nine o'clock , but she might make some excuse to leave quite early , and go off in that way . '' `` That would be awkward , Mr. Cyril , for neither you nor I could be away at supper-time without questions being asked . It seems to me that I had better take Matthew into the secret . As he do n't live in the house he could very well watch wherever she is , till I slip round after supper to relieve him , and he could watch outside here in the evening till either you or I could steal downstairs and take his place .