eight o'clock in the morning
`` Do n't want to got too near dose lights , '' he said , pointing to the swinging lantern which adorned the hostelry ; `` darse n't let nobody see my young mistress ; Massa Gulian would flog Pompey for shuah if dis tale gets tole . '' `` You 're right , Pompey , '' answered Oliver , springing up and flinging the long dark cloak with which Betty had provided herself around his shoulders ; `` take the ladies home slowly . Kitty , my beloved , farewell -- farewell , Betty , brave little soul that you are ; I 'll tell my father how your quick wits came to my relief . Here I cross the river on the ice , and , God willing , reach the commander-in-chief with the tidings he desires by eight o'clock in the morning . '' A sob from Kitty , a low `` God guard you ! '' from Betty , and Oliver vanished as Pompey turned his horses and proceeded leisurely back to Broadway . The girls were literally too spent with emotion to do more than sink down breathless among the fur robes , and not one word did they exchange as they drove through Wall Street and finally drew up at the Verplancks ' door .