about eight o’clock
In his impetuous attempts to subdue the brightness of the fire , he overset the stove , which came tumbling forward , and fell with a crash upon the burning embers it had shot forth in its descent , leaving the room in pitchy darkness . The noise at the gate still continuing , he felt his way to the door , and stepped into the open air . At that moment the knocking ceased . It was about eight o'clock ; but the dead of the darkest night would have been as noon-day in comparison with the thick cloud which then rested upon the earth , and shrouded everything from view . He darted forward for a few paces , as if into the mouth of some dim , yawning cavern ; then , thinking he had gone wrong , changed the direction of his steps ; then stood still , not knowing where to turn . ` If they would knock again , ' said Quilp , trying to peer into the gloom by which he was surrounded , ` the sound might guide me ! Come !