nearly an hour after midnight
Gunn gave a savage glance of warning at him , and barring the progress of the girl at the door , attempted to salute her . Joan came in pale and trembling , and falling on her knees by the bedside , took her father 's hand in hers and wept over it . The innkeeper gave a faint groan and a shiver ran through his body . It was nearly an hour after midnight that Nick Gunn , kicking off his shoes , went stealthily out onto the landing . A little light came from the partly open door of the sick-room , but all else was in blackness . He moved along and peered in . The nurse was siting in a high-backed oak chair by the fire .