About nine o'clock
`` The boy went , but returned , saying that no team was in sight . '' ` Thin , Andy , jewel , we 'll have our supper anyhow ; for the tay 'll be black wid thrawin ' , and the bacon and praties spilt intirely . ' `` Accordingly the two sat down and finished their evening meal , expecting every moment to hear the cheery voice of Matthew as he urged his _ garrons _ with their heavy load up the steep lane beside the cottage . `` About nine o'clock , the wife became alarmed , and with Andy went to a neighbor 's . Tim O'Connell , the village blacksmith , had just fallen asleep after a hard day 's work , and woke in no very amiable frame of mind as Katty rapped at the door . '' ` Who 's there at all at this time of night ? ' said he , gruffly . ''