half past ten
They were never known to attack people with gray coats -- they knew better ! They attacked the black coats , in the pockets of which they suspected the presence of greenbacks and valuable papers ; never the gray coats , where they would find only a frayed `` leave of absence '' for their pains ! I thus banished the whole affair from my mind ; but it had aroused and excited me . I did not feel at all sleepy ; and finding , by a glance at my watch beneath a lamp , that it was only half past ten , I resolved to go and ask after the health of my friend , Mr. X ----- , whose house was only a square or two off . This resolution I proceeded at once to carry out . A short walk brought me to the house , half buried in its shrubbery ; but as I approached I saw a carriage was standing before the house . Should I make my visit then , or postpone it ?