nine o'clock
said the old lady ; `` simple girls have simple stories . '' It was a late hour in the evening that the coach entered the metropolis . Railroads were not then in vogue , and large baggage-waggons , lumbering teams and clumsy coaches , were drawn by two or more horses , over deep-rutted roads , and almost endless turnpikes . The bells had-rang their nine o'clock peal ; most of the stores were closed ; the busy trader and industrious mechanic had gone to their respective homes , and left their property to faithful watchers , whose muffled forms moved slowly through the streets of the great city . Not all had left their work ; for , by the green and crimson light that streamed from his window , and served to partially dissipate the darkness , it was seen that he of pestle and mortar labored on , or , wearied with his labor , had fallen asleep , but to be awakened by the call of some customer , requesting an antidote for one of the many `` ills which flesh is heir to . '' Other open places there were , whose appearance indicated that they were bar-rooms , for at their windows stood decanters filled with various-colored liquids . Near each of these stood a wine-glass in an inverted position , with a lemon upon it ; yet , were not any of these unmistakable signs to be seen , you would know the character of the place by a rumseller 's reeling sign , that made its exit , and , passing a few steps , fell into the gutter .