about six in the evening
The lieutenant , steering his course as near the line of direction in which Trunnion went off , as the coach-road would permit , got intelligence of his track from one farm-house to another ; for such an apparition could not fail of attracting particular notice ; and one of the horsemen having picked up his hat and wig in a by-path , the whole troop entered the village where he was lodged , about four o'clock in the afternoon . When they understood he was safely housed at the George , they rode up to the door in a body , and expressed their satisfaction in three cheers ; which were returned by the company within , as soon as they were instructed in the nature of the salute by Trunnion , who , by this time , had entered into all the jollity of his new friends , and was indeed more than half-seas-over . The lieutenant was introduced to all present as his sworn brother , and had something tossed up for his dinner . Tom Pipes and the crew were regaled in another room ; and , a fresh pair of horses being put to the coach , about six in the evening the commodore , with all his attendants , departed for the garrison , after having shook hands with every individual in the house . Without any further accident , he was conveyed in safety to his own gate before nine , and committed to the care of Pipes , who carried him instantly to his hammock , while the lieutenant was driven away to the place where the bride and her friends remained in great anxiety , which vanished when he assured them that his commodore was safe , being succeeded by abundance of mirth and pleasantry at the account he gave of Trunnion 's adventure . Another day was fixed for the nuptials ; and in order to balk the curiosity of idle people , which had given great offence , the parson was prevailed upon to perform the ceremony in the garrison , which all that day was adorned with flags and pendants displayed ; and at night illuminated , by the direction of Hatchway , who also ordered the patereroes to be fired , as soon as the marriage-knot was tied . Neither were the other parts of the entertainment neglected by this ingenious contriver , who produced undeniable proofs of his elegance and art in the wedding-supper , which had been committed to his management and direction .