nine o'clock
He tried to draw uncle Obed into a discussion on the topic , but the latter was too sleepy . Mr. Grant made a home question of the matter , and did not care to indulge in any philosophical inquiries . One after another the family retired , till the old gentleman was left alone , and then , in despair , he resorted to the `` authorities '' as he termed his books , and read till the inmates of the hennery began to sound the morning call . Richard did not come down stairs the next morning till nine o'clock , when Mr. Grant and uncle Obed had both gone to the city . He was so stiff that he could hardly walk ; but he had washed himself clean , and thrown aside the soiled garments he had worn on the expedition . Already the story of Richard 's wonderful doings in his sleep had been circulated all over the estate , and when he limped into the breakfast room , every body supposed he was suffering from the injuries he had received during his nocturnal ramble . Mr. Presby , whose researches were not yet completed , had taken pains to tell the people of the house , that somnambulists were peculiarly sensitive in regard to their involuntary rambles , and , very much to the surprise of Richard , no one even alluded to the events of the night .