the hour of eight
There was much amazement and some anger in the minds of the two noblemen , that the priest had acted in so unaccountable a manner . Desirous of learning his motive for befriending one whom he professed to hate , they questioned him upon the subject . To all , Garnet replied briefly , bidding them wait a more befitting time , as it was his purpose , on reaching London to attend a meeting at the house of Sir Thomas Percy . Therefore they rode on in silence , the great clock in the tower of St. Paul 's chiming the hour of eight as they passed into the city . At the corner of the street leading to the Gentleman-Pensioner 's door a horseman confronted them whom they recognized as Percy himself . He had been waiting for them in an angle of the wall to say that certain officials having gathered at his house for the discussion of public business it would be unsafe to proceed thither . `` Then is the night lost , '' said Catesby impatiently , `` for , although the Holy Father be provided with a hiding place within the city , and will , perchance , remain among us for the space of two days , much weighty business besides long disputations , require his attention .