midnight
And the evening being pretty far advanced , Peregrine , with seeming reluctance , told him that the gates of the Fleet would in a few minutes be shut for the night , and that there was an absolute necessity for his withdrawing to his lodging . Jack replied , that he could not think of parting with him so soon , after such a long separation ; and that he was determined to stay with him an hour or two longer , if he should be obliged to take up his lodging in the streets . Pickle , rather than disoblige his guest , indulged him in his desire and resolved to give him a share of his own bed . A pair of chickens and asparagus were bespoke for supper , at which Pipes attended with an air of internal satisfaction ; and the bottle was bandied about in a jovial manner till midnight , when the lieutenant rose up to take his leave , observing , that , being fatigued with riding , he was inclined to turn in . Pipes , upon this intimation , produced a lanthorn ready lighted ; and Jack , shaking his entertainer by the hand , wished him good night , and promised to visit him again betimes in the morning . Peregrine , imagining that his behaviour proceeded from the wine , which he had plentifully drunk , told him , that , if he was disposed to sleep , his bed was ready prepared in the room , and ordered his attendant to undress his master ; upon which Mr. Hatchway gave him to understand , that he had no occasion to incommode his friend , having already provided a lodging for himself , and the young gentleman demanding an explanation , he frankly owned what he had done , saying , `` You gave me such a dismal account of the place , that I could not think of leaving you in it without company . '' Our young gentleman , who was naturally impatient of benefits , and foresaw that this uncommon instance of Hatchway 's friendship would encroach upon the plan which he had formed for his own subsistence , by engrossing his time and attention , so as that he should not be able to prosecute his labours , closeted the lieutenant next day , and demonstrated to him the folly and ill consequences of the step he had taken .