three o’clock
I put on my hat and cloak , went down to the office , which is about half a mile from the house , and then returned , feeling very much easier . A horrible doubt came into my mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose , but I remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of insensibility that evening , and I knew that he was the only one in the household who had any influence with the savage creature , or who would venture to set him free . I slipped in in safety and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you . I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this morning , but I must be back before three o'clock , for Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit , and will be away all the evening , so that I must look after the child . Now I have told you all my adventures , Mr. Holmes , and I should be very glad if you could tell me what it all means , and , above all , what I should do . '' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story . My friend rose now and paced up and down the room , his hands in his pockets , and an expression of the most profound gravity upon his face .