ten in the evening
In fact , two days had already passed since his departure , and it had been decided that on the evening of the 10th or at the latest the morning of the 11th , he should return . The colonists waited , therefore , for Ayrton to appear on Prospect Heights . Neb and Herbert even watched at the bridge so as to be ready to lower it the moment their companion presented himself . But up to ten in the evening , there were no signs of Ayrton . It was , therefore , judged best to send a fresh despatch , requiring an immediate reply . The bell of the telegraph at Granite House remained mute . The colonists ' uneasiness was great .