nearly ten o'clock
It would have prostrated a cleverer and more calculating brain than Frank 's -- one of those wonderful minds which can see an intricate game of chess right forward , the player 's own and his adversary 's moves in attack or defence -- to have calmly mapped out the proper course for the lad through the rocks , shoals , and quicksands which beset his path . As it happened , all his mental struggles proved to be in vain ; for , as is frequently the case in life , the maze of difficulties shaped themselves into a broad , even path , along which the boy travelled till the exciting times were past . To begin with , nature knew when the brain would bear no more ; and just at sunrise , when Frank had tried to nerve himself for a fresh struggle by plunging face and a good portion of his head into cold water previous to having a good brisk rub , and then lain down to think out his difficulty once more , unconsciously choosing the best attitude for clear thought , a calm and restful sensation stole over him . One moment he was gazing at the bright light stealing in beside his blind ; the next he was in profound mental darkness , wrapped in a deep , restful slumber , which lasted till nearly ten o'clock , when he was aroused by a knocking at his door , and leaped out of bed , confused and puzzled , unable for a few moments to collect his thoughts into a focus and grasp what it meant . `` Yes , '' he said at last . `` What is it ? '' `` Will you make haste and go across to Lady Gowan 's apartments , sir ? ''