three in the morning
`` Oh ! I 'll engage to settle that business , '' cried Max . `` Be in the market-place early , all of you , and let me know when the old fellow goes for his cart . '' It was striking half-past three in the morning as the Knights slipped out in silence to go to their homes ; gliding close to the walls of the houses without making the least noise , shod as they were in list shoes . Max slowly returned to the place Saint-Jean , situated in the upper part of the town , between the port Saint-Jean and the port Vilatte , the quarter of the rich bourgeoisie . Maxence Gilet had concealed his fears , but the news had struck home . His experience on the hulks at Cabrera had taught him a dissimulation as deep and thorough as his corruption .