one
o'clock
But Robert saw that the bruise was recent , and that it had been made by the four fingers , one of which had a ring , of a powerful hand . Suspicion began to be aroused in the mind of Robert Audley , first as to the real identity of Lady Audley ; and second , as to the fate of his friend . He brought into play all the keenness of his intellect , and abandoned his lazy habits . He went to Southampton , saw Captain Maldon , who told him that George Talboys had arrived the morning before at one o'clock to have a look at his boy before sailing for Australia . On inquiry at Liverpool , this proved to be false . He sought the assistance of George 's father , Squire Talboys , at Grange Heath , Dorsetshire , to discover the murderer ; but the squire resolutely refused to accept that his son was dead . He was only hiding , hoping for forgiveness , which would never be given .