eight o'clock
`` No one knows of this plot except the instigators , myself , and Mose . By him I send this note to you . Most sincerely yours , Viola LeMonde . '' At eight o'clock Mose made his appearance , and Viola gave him the message , telling him to ride Velox as fast as possible to Mr. Nebeker 's tavern , where Mr. Very had spent the night , and to give it to the preacher . Mose was doubly willing that the news should get to the parson by means of the note ; for if trouble came his way , he could swear that he did not inform Very of the plot ; and , secondly , he thought Viola would be pleased to help the preacher . Jasper Very was still at the home of the tavern keeper , as were also several other preachers , including the `` square man , '' John Larkin . Jasper was standing on the porch , and was surprised to see the colored man riding up fast to the house , his horse wet with sweat and steaming in the wintry air .