midnight
It was nine o'clock when I came alongside his honour 's jetty , and once more demanded entrance of the sentry . This time I was received even more suspiciously than in the morning , and was allowed to wait for nearly half-an-hour before it was decided that I might safely be admitted into the premises . For this irritating delay I had probably to thank the impatience with which I met the sentinel 's questions ; for when at last I found myself at the house , his honour met me with an inquiry why I had delayed my coming to so late an hour . `` It is four long leagues to Malin , '' said he , `` and on such a road you are not likely to be there before midnight , when the inn will be closed . However , get Martin to saddle Tara for you . I wish Miss Kit and her maid to start for Derry at daybreak . '' `` Where is she now ? ''