eight o'clock
He had rendered very valuable service , both to Deck 's command and to the company after it was united . `` I am sorry to disturb you , Captain , at this hour ; but I could not get away any earlier , for we have been busy over at Colonel Halliburn 's , moving his brother and his wife , and transporting the wounded to his mansion . '' `` I am very glad to see you , Mr. Milton . It is only eight o'clock , and I had not retired , '' replied the captain . `` But I hope you have not been attacked again . '' `` No , sir , we have not been attacked ; and if we had been , we have force enough at the colonel 's to defend ourselves , for we have a part of the Home Guards from this town to re-enforce those of the little village , '' replied Milton . `` I came for another purpose . ''