Five o'clock
I lay , as people are apt to lie under such circumstances , stiff and still for five minutes , listening with all my ears . There came into my mind while thus occupied all that the authorities had said in reference to burglars ; and when , after a lapse of five minutes , the voices again became audible , I knew exactly what was expected of me . I looked at my watch . Five o'clock . I was certain it could not be the servants ; besides , even through the floor I could tell the voices were male . I glided from my couch , and pulled on my nether garments , and then warily set my door ajar . I could see a light through the chink of the door in the landing below , and heard a stealthy footstep .