ten o’clock
said the nurse . `` No , '' said the surgeon , quietly . `` He 's a man . '' * * * * * * * Between nine and ten o'clock that night , Mr. Bashwood awoke in his bed at the inn in the Borough . He had slept for some hours since he had been brought back from the hospital ; and his mind and body were now slowly recovering together . A light was burning on the bedside table , and a letter lay on it , waiting for him till he was awake . It was in his son 's handwriting , and it contained these words : `` MY DEAR DAD -- Having seen you safe out of the hospital , and back at your hotel , I think I may fairly claim to have done my duty by you , and may consider myself free to look after my own affairs .