about six o'clock
For a long time , even with the utmost discretion and reticence , it would have been impossible to make the facts public ; but now the principal person concerned is beyond the reach of human law , and with due suppression the story may be told in such fashion as to injure no one . It records an absolutely unique experience in the career both of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and of myself . The reader will excuse me if I conceal the date or any other fact by which he might trace the actual occurrence . We had been out for one of our evening rambles , Holmes and I , and had returned about six o'clock on a cold , frosty winter 's evening . As Holmes turned up the lamp the light fell upon a card on the table . He glanced at it , and then , with an ejaculation of disgust , threw it on the floor . I picked it up and read : -- CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON , APPLEDORE TOWERS , AGENT .