ten o'clock
I have a better prescription in my pocket , directed to the best apothecary in the world -- somewhat under the world in fact he dwells . Down therefore to him , and _ Fiat , sum. , haust . ad lib . _ It was striking ten o'clock when I descended the broad steps that lead to the noble vault , which with all its contents is the ancient and perpetual inheritance of their High Mightinesses the Corporation of Bremen . There was every probability of my having my drink to myself , as there was a fearful storm raging outside and no one about in the streets . The cellarman stared at me as I presented a slip of paper , signed and sealed by a town-councillor : -- ` Admit the Bearer to Drink . Sep. 1st . '