the hour
of nine o'clock
Removal , however , in Torley O'Regan 's case , would have been instant death . Motion or effort of any kind were strictly forbidden , as was conversation , except in the calmest and lowest tones , and everything at at all approaching to excitement . Still the terror lest this inhuman agent might carry his resolution into effect on such a day , and under such circumstances , gave to their pitiable sense of his loss a dark and deadly hue of misery , at which the heart actually sickens . From the hour of nine o'clock on that ominous morning , the inhabitants of Drum Dhu were passing , despite the storm , from cabin to cabin , discussing the probable events of the day , and asking each other if it could be possible that M'Clutchy would turn them out under such a tempest . Nor was this all . The scene indeed was one which ought never to be witnessed in any country . Misery in all its shapes was there -- suffering in its severest pangs -- sickness -- disease -- famine -- and death -- to all which was to be added bleak , houseless , homeless , roofless desolation .