nine o’clock
Immediately after the third ringing the landlord appeared , with stealthy step , and an appearance of mystery on his buxom visage . He greeted Mr. Trumbull , who was his landlord as it proved , with great respect , and expressed some surprise at seeing him so late , as he termed it , ` on Saturday e ' en . ' ` And I , Robin Hastie , ' said the landlord to the tenant , am more surprised than pleased , to hear sae muckle din in your house , Robie , so near the honourable Sabbath ; and I must mind you that it is contravening the terms of your tack , whilk stipulates that you should shut your public on Saturday at nine o'clock , at latest . ' ` Yes , sir , ' said Robin Hastie , no way alarmed at the gravity of the rebuke , ` but you must take tent that I have admitted naebody but you , Mr. Trumbull -LRB- who by the way admitted yoursell -RRB- , since nine o'clock for the most of the folk have been here for several hours about the lading , and so on , of the brig. It is not full tide yet , and I can not put the men out into the street . If I did , they would go to some other public , and their souls would be nane the better , and my purse muckle the waur ; for how am I to pay the rent if I do not sell the liquor ? ' ` Nay , then , ' said Thomas Trumbull , ` if it is a work of necessity , and in the honest independent way of business , no doubt there is balm in Gilead . But prithee , Robin , wilt thou see if Nanty Ewart be , as is most likely , amongst these unhappy topers ; and if so , let him step this way cannily , and speak to me and this young gentleman .