Ten o’clock
There was no need for him to ask me to wait up for him , for I felt that sleep was impossible until I heard the result of his adventure . It was close upon nine when he set out . I had no idea how long he might be , but I sat stolidly puffing at my pipe and skipping over the pages of Henri Murger 's `` Vie de Bohème . '' Ten o'clock passed , and I heard the footsteps of the maid as they pattered off to bed . Eleven , and the more stately tread of the landlady passed my door , bound for the same destination . It was close upon twelve before I heard the sharp sound of his latch-key . The instant he entered I saw by his face that he had not been successful .