the
hour of six
Stephen came out the little white gate closing it very deliberately behind him and immediately set off at a brisk pace down the street . Every fiber within him thrilled with energy . The road was dusty and hot , and his pace grew very strenuous and fervent . There was no breeze ; there was no sound of wheels ; all was quiet as the bells tolled out the hour of six . Nevertheless he trudged along with great haste without once stopping until he had reached the door of his lodgings . He turned the key and entered , closing the door behind him and taking the greatest of care to see that it was properly bolted . Flinging his hat into a chair as he passed , he went immediately to the table which served as his desk .