eight o'clock
Through a refinement of cruelty that humane gentleman chose to let his intended victim lie in an anxious anticipation of the flogging , thus making it assume greater terror . In fact , he probably would not return from the village till nine o'clock or later , and this was an additional reason why he put it off . His absence made it easier for Bill to carry out the plan which had been formed for him by his trusty friend , Dick Schmidt , and escape from the house . He accomplished his escape unnoticed about half-past eight o'clock . Dick was waiting for him behind the barn . He had been a little afraid that Bill would repent the promise he had made and back out . When he saw him he welcomed him gladly .