Six o'clock
He fastened the two together firmly with thread , then proceeded to wrap them up neatly in a piece of clean white paper , and tie the parcel in such a manner that it would he difficult to undo it again . This was all done in order to occupy the attention of the old woman and to seize a favorable opportunity when she would be busy with the knot . The piece of iron was simply added for weight , in order that she might not immediately detect the fraud . He had just finished , and had put the packet in his pocket , when in the court below resounded the cry : `` Six o'clock struck long ago ! '' `` Long ago ! Good heavens ! '' He ran to the door , listened , seized his hat , and went down the stairs cautiously and stealthily as a cat .