nine o'clock
said the old man . He paused ; then , in a grave , earnest , quavering voice , he added : `` The Lord Almighty have you in his keeping , Measter Desmond , watch over you night and day , now and evermore . '' And with that he hobbled down the lane . At nine o'clock that night Richard Burke left the Grange -- an unusual thing for him -- and walked quickly to the Four Alls . The inn was closed , and shutters darkened the windows ; but , seeing a chink of light between the folds , the farmer knocked at the door . There was no answer . He knocked again and again , grumbling under his breath .