six o’clock
He knew her relentless hatred of Daubrecq and appreciated the assistance which she had rendered in the case . He therefore made no difficulties about telling her what he knew , thanks to certain clues and especially to the evidence of the portress . For that matter , the thing was exceedingly simple . Daubrecq , who had attended the trial of Gilbert and Vaucheray as a witness and who was seen in court during the speeches , returned home at six o'clock . The portress affirmed that he came in alone and that there was nobody in the house at the time . Nevertheless , a few minutes later , she heard shouts , followed by the sound of a struggle and two pistol-shots ; and from her lodge she saw four masked men scuttle down the front steps , carrying Daubrecq the deputy , and hurry toward the gate . They opened the gate .