ten o'clock at night
At length he was called in ; but whether the oddness of his appearance excited a curiosity more than small in the board , or his behaviour was not suitable to his figure , I know not , he was discovered to be an imposter , and put into the hands of the beadle in order to be sent to Bridewell . So that instead of seeing him come out with a cheerful countenance , and a surgeon 's qualification in his hand , I perceived him led through the outer hall as a prisoner ; and was very much alarmed , and anxious to know the occasion ; when he called with a lamentable voice , and a piteous aspect to me , and some others who know him , `` For God 's sake , gentlemen bear witness that I am the same individual John Jackson who served as surgeon 's second mate on board the Elizabeth , or else I shall go to Bridewell ! '' It would have been impossible for the most austere hermit that ever lived to have refrained from laughing at his appearance and address : we therefore indulged ourselves a good while at his expense , and afterwards pleaded his cause so effectually with the beadle who was gratified with half-a-crown , that the prisoner was dismissed , and in a few moments renewed his former gaiety -- swearing , since the board had refused his money , he would spend every shilling before he went to bed , in treating his friends ; at the same time inviting us all to favour him with our company . It was now ten o'clock at night , and , as I had a great way to walk through streets that were utterly unknown to me , I was prevailed on to be of their party , in hopes he would afterwards accompany me to my lodgings , according to his promise . He conducted me to his friend 's house , who kept a tavern over the way where we continued drinking punch , until the liquor mounted up to our heads , and made us all extremely frolicsome . I , in particular , was so much elevated , that nothing would serve me but a wench ; at which demand Jackson expressed much joy , and assured me I should have my desire before we parted Accordingly , when he had paid the reckoning , we sallied out , roaring and singing ; and were conducted by our leader to a place of nocturnal entertainment , where Mr. Jackson 's dress attracted the assiduities of two or three nymphs , who loaded him with caresses , in return for the arrack punch with which he treated them , till at length sleep began to exert his power over us all , and our conductor called `` To pay . '' When the bill was brought , which amounted to twelve shillings , he put his hand in his pocket , but might have saved himself the trouble , for his purse was gone .