Nine o'clock
None knew . When the flames began to fade he was missed . He had gone -- none knew where . `` Nine o'clock , '' said Parson Christian , turning his face toward home . `` Sharp work , while it lasted , my lads ! '' Then there was the sound of wheels , and Natt drove his trap to the gate of the mill-yard . `` You 've just missed it , Natt , '' said John Proudfoot ; `` where have you been ? ''