nine o’clock
The Royal East London Volunteers made a brilliant sight that day : formed into lines , squares , circles , triangles , and what not , to the beating of drums , and the streaming of flags ; and performed a vast number of complex evolutions , in all of which Serjeant Varden bore a conspicuous share . Having displayed their military prowess to the utmost in these warlike shows , they marched in glittering order to the Chelsea Bun House , and regaled in the adjacent taverns until dark . Then at sound of drum they fell in again , and returned amidst the shouting of His Majesty 's lieges to the place from whence they came . The homeward march being somewhat tardy , -- owing to the un-soldierlike behaviour of certain corporals , who , being gentlemen of sedentary pursuits in private life and excitable out of doors , broke several windows with their bayonets , and rendered it imperative on the commanding officer to deliver them over to a strong guard , with whom they fought at intervals as they came along , -- it was nine o'clock when the locksmith reached home . A hackney-coach was waiting near his door ; and as he passed it , Mr Haredale looked from the window and called him by his name . ` The sight of you is good for sore eyes , sir , ' said the locksmith , stepping up to him . ` I wish you had walked in though , rather than waited here . '