twelve
o'clock before
He admitted that this robbery appeared but even justice ; still he ventured to hope that Jem Bottles would not take the coincidence as a precedent , and that he would never mistake the dictates of Providence for the desires of his own nature . `` I will speak with the man later , '' he said , `` and hope that my words will make some impression upon him . There was a trace of exaltation in his recital that showed no sign of a contrite spirit . '' On account of the delay at the roadside it was well past twelve o'clock before we reached Maidstone , and there we indulged in a good dinner that put heart into all of us , while the horses had time to rest and feed . The road to Rye presented no difficulties whatever , but under ordinary conditions I would have rested a night before travelling to the coast . There would be a little delay before the Earl discovered the useless nature of the papers which he had been at such expense to acquire , but after the discovery there was no doubt in my mind that he would move upon Brede as quickly as horses could carry his men , so I insisted upon pressing on to Rye that night , and we reached the town late with horses that were very tired . It was a long distance for a man of the age of Father Donovan to travel in a day , but he stood the journey well , and enjoyed his supper and his wine with the best of us .