nine o'clock
`` St. Auban is leaving Blois ? '' `` This evening , sir . '' `` But , voyons , Vicomte , why make an assignation in such a place and at night , when at any hour of the day I can meet the Marquis on this side , without suffering the inconvenience of crossing the river ? '' `` There will be a bright moon , well up by nine o'clock . Moreover , remember that you can not , as you say , meet St. Auban on this side at any time he may appoint , since to-night or to-morrow the officer who is in search of you will arrive . '' I pondered for a moment . Then : `` M. le Vicomte , '' I said , `` in this matter of ground ' t is I who have the first voice . ''