about midnight
Benedetto now formed a decisive plan . He did not remain in Loures , but went on foot to Chapelle-en-Serval , a mile distant , where he arrived covered with dirt and dust , and entered the nearest inn , telling the host that he had fallen from his horse . `` If you could get me a coach or a horse , so that I could return to Compiegne , I would be very grateful to you . '' The host really had a horse at his disposal , and in a quarter of an hour Benedetto , accompanied by the host 's son , was on the road to Compiegne , which he reached about midnight . After he had discharged the boy at the market-place of the little city , he went to the inn called the Bell and Bottle , which he had patronized in former times , and to which he was admitted now . After Benedetto had eaten a hearty supper , he inquired if he could get a room on the ground floor , but was forced to accept one on the first story , as the other had been taken by a young man who had just arrived with his sister . The hunted culprit was so tired out by his exertions that he fell into a deep sleep , and did not wake up early next morning , as he had intended , but at nine o'clock .