ten o'clock
At intervals Mr. Wragg laughed loud and long . Tea was cleared away , and the long evening dragged along in silence . Uncle and niece were apparently sitting in the garden , but they came in to supper , and later on the fumes of Mr. Wragg 's pipe pervaded the house . At ten o'clock he heard footsteps ascending the stairs , and through half-closed eyes saw Mr. Wragg enter the bedroom with a candle . `` Time the pore feller had ` is water , '' he said to his niece , who remained outside . `` Unless he is still insensible , '' was the reply . Mr. Gale , who was feeling both thirsty and hungry , slowly opened his eyes , and fixed them in a vacant stare on Mr. Wragg .