nine o'clock
It was Spidel , who limped round the Tower , tried the door , and came to a halt below the window . Heritage stuck out his head and wished him good morning , getting in reply an amazed stare . The man was not disposed to talk , though Heritage made some interesting observations on the weather , but departed quicker than he came , in the direction of the West Lodge . Just before nine o'clock he returned with Dobson and Léon . They made a very complete reconnaissance of the Tower , and for a moment Heritage thought that they were about to try to force an entrance . They tugged and hammered at the great oak door , which he had further strengthened by erecting behind it a pile of the heaviest lumber he could find in the place . It was imperative that they should not get in , and he got Dickson 's pistol ready with the firm intention of shooting them if necessary .