nine o'clock
The curious spectators had exhausted the conversation of the steward , who had drunk good fellowship with half of his acquaintance , and , as Natty was no longer in motion , by eight o'clock , Billy Kirby , who was the last lounger at the window , retired into the `` Templeton Coffee-house , '' when Natty rose and hung a blanket before the opening , and the prisoners apparently retired for the night . `` And to avoid the foe 's pursuit , With spurring put their cattle to ` t ; And till all four were out of wind , And danger too , neer looked behind . '' -- Hudibras . As the shades of evening approached , the jurors , wit nesses , and other attendants on the court began to disperse , and before nine o'clock the village was quiet , and its streets nearly deserted . At that hour Judge Temple and his daughter , followed at a short distance by Louisa Grant , walked slowly down the avenue , under the slight shadows of the young poplars , holding the following discourse : `` You can best soothe his wounded spirit , my child , '' said Marmaduke ; `` but it will be dangerous to touch on the nature of his offence ; the sanctity of the laws must be respected . '' `` Surely , sir , '' cried the impatient Elizabeth , `` those laws that condemn a man like the Leather-Stocking to so severe a punishment , for an offence that even I must think very venial , can not be perfect in themselves . '' `` Thou talkest of what thou dost not understand , Elizabeth , '' returned her father .