seven o'clock in the evening
`` Yes , '' Graham agreed , `` I should not care for a long stay , but you may be quite certain the earl will not remain inactive here many weeks . He is waiting to see how things go , and the moment the game is fairly opened you may be sure he will be on the move . '' `` Yes , I do n't suppose you will be very long after me , '' Jack said ; `` still , I am not sorry to go . '' At seven o'clock in the evening Jack set out , taking with him two dragoons as orderlies , the earl having suggested that he should do so . `` Always do a thing yourself if it is possible , Captain Stilwell ; but there are times when you must be doing something else , and it is as well to have some one that you can rely upon ; besides , the orderlies will give you additional importance in the eyes of the peasants . Most of the men have picked up some Spanish , but you had better pick out two of my orderlies who are best up in it . '' Jack had spent the afternoon in making a round of calls at the houses where he had been entertained , and after the exchange of adieus , ceremonial speeches , and compliments , he was heartily glad when the gates closed behind him and he set out on his journey .