eight o'clock in the evening
`` I tell you I know 'em all -- that 's Sir Francis Clavering , Baronet , M.P. -- I know him , and he knows me -- and that 's Strong , and that 's the young chap that made the row at the ball . I say , Strong , Strong ! '' `` It 's that d -- Altamont , '' cried Sir Francis within , with a start and a guilty look ; and Strong also , with a look of annoyance , got up from the table , and ran out to the intruder . A gentleman in a white waistcoat , running out from a dining-room bare-headed , a policeman , and an individual decently attired , engaged in almost fistycuffs on the pavement , were enough to make a crowd , even in that quiet neighborhood , at half-past eight o'clock in the evening , and a small mob began to assemble before Sir Francis Clavering 's door . `` For God 's sake , come in , '' Strong said , seizing his acquaintance 's arm . `` Send for a cab , James , if you please , '' he added , in an under voice to that domestic ; and carrying the excited gentleman out of the street , the outer door was closed upon him , and the small crowd began to move away . Mr. Strong had intended to convey the stranger into Sir Francis 's private sitting-room , where the hats of the male guests were awaiting them , and having there soothed his friend by bland conversation , to have carried him off as soon as the cab arrived ; but the new comer was in a great state of wrath at the indignity which had been put upon him , and when Strong would have led him into the second door , said , in a tipsy voice , '' _ That _ ai n't the door : that 's the dining-room door , where the drink 's going on : and I 'll go and have some , by Jove ; I 'll go and have some . ''