night about nine o'clock
Roberta listened intently : '' ` Tater wagens , Uncle Squire , _ big _ ` tater wagens , rumbling over the bridge . '' `` Yes , Lil Missus , it 's comen ' . En de stormier 't is , en de darker 't is , de better fur him en me . '' That night about nine o'clock Mrs. Marsden heard a low but distinct rap on the shutters of the sitting-room window opening on the porch . She happened to be there alone . It startled her for an instant , but she soon recovered composure and asked : `` Who is it ? '' `` A friend , '' was the reply .