seven o'clock
It was John 's favourite game ; indeed his only game -- he had found all the rest too intellectual -- and he played it with equal skill and good fortune . To Morris himself , on the other hand , the whole business was detestable ; he was a bad pitcher , he had no luck in tossing , and he was one who suffered torments when he lost . But John was in a dangerous humour , and his brother was prepared for any sacrifice . By seven o'clock , Morris , with incredible agony , had lost a couple of half-crowns . Even with the tontine before his eyes , this was as much as he could bear ; and , remarking that he would take his revenge some other time , he proposed a bit of supper and a grog . Before they had made an end of this refreshment it was time to be at work . A bucket of water for present necessities was withdrawn from the water-butt , which was then emptied and rolled before the kitchen fire to dry ; and the two brothers set forth on their adventure under a starless heaven .