nine o'clock
Dick decided that it would be best to defer the accomplishment of his purpose till later in the month , when darker nights would serve as a screen , and render detection more difficult . By and by a night came which he thought suitable . A few stars were out , but they gave only a faint glimmer of light , not more than was necessary . Dick went to bed at nine o'clock , as usual . By an effort he succeeded in keeping awake , feeling that if he once yielded to drowsiness , he should probably sleep on till morning . At half-past nine all in the house were abed . It was not till eleven , however , that Dick felt it safe to leave the house .