nine o'clock
Ford had no part in the debate . He had been smoking comfortably and with well-timed nods , impartially encouraging each disputant . But now he suddenly laid his cigar upon his plate , and , after glancing quickly about him , leaned eagerly forward . They were at the corner table of the terrace , and , as it was now past nine o'clock , the other diners had departed to the theatres and they were quite alone . Below them , outside the open windows , were the trees of the embankment , and beyond , the Thames , blocked to the west by the great shadows of the Houses of Parliament , lit only by the flame in the tower that showed the Lower House was still sitting . `` I 'LL give you an idea for a rag , '' whispered Ford . `` One that is risky , that will make the country sit up , that ought to land you in Jail ?