nine o'clock
` Well , then , ' says I , ` bend down that ` ere ash saplin ' softly , you old Snowball , and make no noise . The saplin ' was no sooner bent than secured to the ground by a notched peg and a noose , and a slip-knot was suspended from the tree , jist over the track that led from the pathway to the house . ` Why , my Gor , massa , that 's a -- ' ` Hold your mug , you old nigger , ' says I , ` or I 'll send your tongue a-sarchin ' arter your teeth ; keep quiet , and follow me in presently . ' `` Well , jist as it struck nine o'clock , says I , ` Sally , hold this here hank of twine for a minute , till I wind a trifle on it off ; that 's a dear critter . ' She sot down her candle , and I put the twine on her hands , and then I begins to wind and wind away ever so slow , and drops the ball every now and then , so as to keep her downstairs . ` Sam , ' says she , ` I do believe you wo n't wind that ` ere twine off all night , do give it to January ; I wo n't stay no longer , I 'm e ` enamost dead asleep . ' ` The old feller 's arm is so plaguy onsteady , ' says I , ` it wo n't do ; but hark , what 's that , I 'm sure I heerd something in the ash saplin ' , did n't you Sall ? '