nearly three o'clock
`` At what time did you retire ? '' `` I sat up very late that night , for my mind was so occupied with some personal matters that I felt no inclination for sleep . I lighted a cigar and became so absorbed in my own thoughts that I was totally unaware of the lapse of time , until I was aroused by what I thought was a stealthy step outside . I then became conscious , for the first time , that I was very weary , both physically and mentally , and I also discovered that it was nearly three o'clock . Astonished to find it so late , and exhausted by hours of protracted thought , I threw myself as I was upon a low couch , where I slept soundly until awakened in the morning . '' Further questions failed to reveal any discrepancy in his statement , and he was dismissed . The testimony of Ralph Mainwaring and of his son added nothing of interest or importance .