ten o'clock
The night was cloudy and dark . A cold November wind from the northeast swept over the little village -- so icy and damp that none cared to venture out . There was no trade for the merchants , and they closed their stores early and hurried shivering to their homes . By ten o'clock not a light was anywhere to be seen . All had retired , and nearly all had entered into happy dreamland when they were suddenly awakened by the shrill cry of `` Fire ! fire ! fire ! ''