eight o'clock
His efforts were in vain . She occasionally looked upon him with a vacant stare , but her thoughts were elsewhere . During the period , Peters had time to shave himself , and dress in clean attire , preparatory to being summoned to his fate . The time was approaching fast ; one bell after eight o'clock , designating the half hour , had struck ; at two bells -LRB- nine o'clock -RRB- he was to be summoned to his doom . The clergyman rose from his useless endeavours -- `` Let us pray , '' said he , and sank upon his knees , -- Peters , Adams , and the child followed his example ; and , last of all , poor Ellen , who seemed to recover her recollection , sank on her knees , but , unable to keep her position , fell towards the clergyman , who , as he supported her in his arms , poured forth a fervent and eloquent appeal in behalf of the one who was about to appear in the presence of his Maker , and of those who were left in tribulation behind . It was scarcely over when the door opened , and the provost-marshal claimed his prisoner . The prayer of the chaplain seemed to ring in Ellen 's ears , and she remained supported by the worthy man , muttering parts of it at intervals , during which time the limbs of her husband were freed from the shackles .