seven o'clock
`` When I was in Saint Petersburg a year ago , Vasilovich held a post of responsibility at the War Office , and it was his habit to ride into Saint Petersburg from his chateau at Pargolovo in the morning , and out again at night , arriving home about seven o'clock , in time for dinner at eight . And I imagine we shall find that he does so still . The chateau stands in a park of considerable extent , and is approached by a drive nearly a mile and a half long , up which Vasilovich usually rides at a foot-pace . Now , at this time of the year , it will be quite dark in the park at seven o'clock , and nobody will then be likely to be out about the demesne . I know the place well , and happen to be aware of a spot , about midway between the chateau and the lodge gates , where the _ Flying Fish _ can be effectually concealed for the moment , close to the road , and near which it will be easy for us to secure our man and convey him on board the flying ship , where we will simply put him in irons and lock him up in the tank room ; he will be perfectly safe there , without the power to do the slightest harm . '' `` And , having got him , how do you purpose to make him speak , Professor ? '' demanded Mildmay .