the hour of ten o'clock
But in any case the king would see that no evil befell his son and his friends . Therefore if we are wise , we shall remain silent and take ourselves out of the way for the time being . '' The next day , as I afterwards learned , George made the mistake of returning to France , not that he feared punishment for himself , but because he did not want to speak the unavailing truth and thereby bring upon himself the king 's wrath , nor did he want to bear false witness to protect the criminals . Near the hour of ten o'clock that night , Noah drew up the fat panting horses before Sir William 's house . The porter , who had been watching all day , opened the gate , the coach entered the courtyard , Noah uttered a hoarse `` Whoa ! '' and almost fell off the box to the ground . As soon as he could get on his feet again , he went to the coach door , spoke to Frances , ran to Sir William , who was waiting at the top of the house steps , candle in hand , to welcome Roger , and spoke but one word : `` Dead ! ''