nine o'clock
he inquired , as his wife hastily pocketed the money . `` It 'll be your own fault , '' was the reply . Mr. Hatchard looked dubious , and , in a thoughtful fashion , walked downstairs and let himself out . He began to think that the joke was of a more complicated nature than he had expected , and it was not without forebodings that he came back at nine o'clock that night accompanied by a boy with his baggage . His gloom disappeared the moment the door opened . The air inside was warm and comfortable , and pervaded by an appetizing smell of cooked meats . Upstairs a small bright fire and a neatly laid supper-table awaited his arrival .