nearly one o'clock
By this time they had returned to the well , where they resumed their water vessels and hurried home , some to report the strange adventure the deacon had encountered the night before , and the deaconess to tell her better half of the delusion he had been under . Before breakfast time , the story was in every one 's mouth , from the Castle to the Abbey-gate , and as far as the town extended . On a clear moonlight night , for many years afterwards , Deacon Dickson 's dike was pointed out by the inhabitants ; and at jovial parties we have heard it said -- `` Sit still a little longer ; we are all sober enough to get over Deacon Dickson 's wall . '' The treasurer , who was not so muddled by the effect of the evening 's entertainment as the deacon , yet still impressed by the idea of the wall , proceeded homewards by the same route whereby he had reached the deacon 's , but now much refreshed by the walk , and night , or rather morning air -- for it was nearly one o'clock . As he approached the Bow-foot Well , the sobbing of a female broke the stillness of the night : he paused for a few minutes , and , looking towards the spot from whence the sound came , urged by humanity , he drew more near , till he perceived an aged female almost concealed by the dark shade of the well , against which she leaned to support herself . As soon as he saw her distinctly , with an emotion of grief and surprise he exclaimed -- `` Mrs. Horner ! -- what has happened ?