the hour of nine
`` That noise on the piazza , '' she answered in a low tone . `` I do n't hear any noise , '' returned the man ; but almost as he spoke a slow shambling step made the floor-boards of the old piazza creak and a heavy hand was laid upon the door . `` Hello , who 's there ? '' asked the man , for he could think of no one who would be calling at the hour of nine , which is really late in a farming community . But there was no reply to his inquiry , only the sound of a heavy step moving up and down in front of the door . `` Who are you , and what do you want ? '' repeated the young farmer in an irritated tone , for he was both surprised and annoyed by the intrusion .