five minutes before three
Either he had been privy from the first to the plot to waylay the horse ; or he had bought it cheaply knowing how it had been acquired ; or -- a third alternative -- it had been placed in his hands , to the end that his reputation as a fire-eater might protect it . In any event , he had had an interest in nipping inquiry in the bud ; and , learning who the Colonel was , had acted on the instant , and with considerable presence of mind . The Colonel looked thoughtful ; and though the day was fine for Ireland -- that is , no more than a small rain was falling -- he remained within doors until five minutes before three o'clock . Bale had employed the interval in brushing the stains of travel from his master 's clothes , and combing his horseman 's wig with particular care ; so that it was a neat and spruce gentleman who at five minutes before three walked through Tralee , and , attending to the directions he had received , approached a particular door , a little within the barrack gate . Had he glanced up at the windows he would have seen faces at them ; moreover , a suspicious ear might have caught , as he paused on the threshold , a scurrying of feet , mingled with stifled laughter . But he did not look up . He did not seem to expect to see more than he found , when he entered -- a great bare room with its floor strewn with sawdust and its walls adorned here and there by a gaunt trophy of arms .