two hours after midnight
But there is Bletson , on the other hand , who believes nothing . -- What do you know of this matter , good Master Mayor ? '' `` In sooth , and it was Master Bletson who gave the first alarm , '' replied the magistrate ; `` or , at least , the first distinct one . You see , sir , I was in bed with my wife , and no one else ; and I was as fast asleep as a man can desire to be at two hours after midnight , when , behold you , they came knocking at my bedroom door , to tell me there was an alarm in Woodstock , and that the bell of the Lodge was ringing at that dead hour of the night as hard as ever it rung when it called the court to dinner . '' `` Well , but the cause of this alarm ? '' said the Colonel . `` You shall hear , worthy Colonel , you shall hear , '' answered the Mayor , waving his hand with dignity ; for he was one of those persons who will not be hurried out of their own pace .