eight o'clock
In fine , as nothing but Downs was missing , it became a matter of speculation along toward tattoo as to whether Downs could have taken anything at all -- except possibly his own life . Cutler was now desirous of questioning Blakely at length , and obtaining his views and theories as to Downs , for Cutler believed that Blakely had certain well-defined views which he was keeping to himself . Between these two , however , had grown an unbridgeable gulf . Dr. Graham had declared at eight o'clock that morning that Mr. Blakely was still so weak that he ought not to go with the searching parties , and on receipt of this dictum Captain Cutler had issued his , to wit , that Blakely should not go either in search of Downs or in pursuit of Captain Wren . It stung Blakely and angered him even against Graham , steeling him against the post commander . Each of these gentlemen begged him to make his temporary home under his roof , and Blakely would not . `` Major Plume 's quarters are now vacant , then , '' said Cutler to Graham .