nine o'clock
I knew without reference to the map that that path would bring them to the Benser Tief at a point somewhere near the timber-yard . In a fog I might have followed them there ; as it was , the night was none too dark , and I had my strength to husband ; and stamped on my memory were the words ` the tide serves ' . I judged it a wiser use of time and sinew to anticipate them at Bensersiel by the shortest road , leaving them to reach it by way of the devious Tief , to examine which was , I felt convinced , one of their objects . It was nine o'clock of a fresh wild night , a halo round the beclouded moon . I passed through quiet Esens , and in an hour I was close to Bensersiel , and could hear the sea . In the rooted idea that I should find Grimm on the outskirts , awaiting visitors , I left the road short of the village , and made a circuit to the harbour by way of the sea-wall . The lower windows of the inn shed a warm glow into the night , and within I could see the village circle gathered over cards , and dominated as of old by the assertive little postmaster , whose high-pitched , excitable voice I could clearly distinguish , as he sat with his cap on the back of his head and a ` feine schnapps ' at his elbow .