Half past three o'clock
he began sternly , as he lifted Kitty out . `` Did the hue and cry for that wretched , miserable Whig spy frighten the horses ? Clarissa is nearly distracted '' -- `` I will explain all to your satisfaction , '' interrupted Betty . `` Meantime , listen , and be thankful ; '' and as she held up a warning hand , they heard through the stillness of the night the watchman 's distant cry float down the frosty air : -- `` Half past three o'clock -- and all 's -- well ! '' `` Do you mean to tell me that you , Clarissa 's sister , had anything to do with the escape of a Whig spy ? '' `` Even so , '' said Betty calmly , though her face was pale and her brilliant eyes burning with excitement . `` Damnation ! ''