about seven o'clock
Here was assistance close at hand . Mechanically he sought to raise his hand to open the window , but an agonising twinge reminded him of his thongs . He swiftly reviewed in his mind the means of attracting the attention of the soldier opposite . Whatever he was going to do , he must do quickly ; for the fact that people were beginning to darken their windows showed that it must be close on half-past six , and about seven o'clock , Barling , after putting out Desmond 's things , was accustomed to go out for the evening . Should he shout ? Should he try and break the window ? Desmond rejected both these suggestions .