about nine
o'clock
Malcolm spent nearly two hours on the way , and met the boy returning , who told him that Mrs Catanach was not to be found . His road lay down the glen , past Duncan 's cottage , at whose door he dismounted , but he did not find him . Taking the bridle on his arm he walked by his horse the rest of the way . It was about nine o'clock , and the night very dark . As he neared the house , he heard Duncan 's voice . `` Malcolm , my son ! Will it pe your own self ? ''