noon
At first I was indignant ; but at last almost approved . The landlord 's energetic , summary disposition had led him to adopt a procedure which I do not think I would have decided upon myself ; and yet as a last resort , under such peculiar circumstances , it seemed the only plan . As I afterwards learned , the poor scrivener , when told that he must be conducted to the Tombs , offered not the slightest obstacle , but in his pale unmoving way , silently acquiesced . Some of the compassionate and curious bystanders joined the party ; and headed by one of the constables arm in arm with Bartleby , the silent procession filed its way through all the noise , and heat , and joy of the roaring thoroughfares at noon . The same day I received the note I went to the Tombs , or to speak more properly , the Halls of Justice . Seeking the right officer , I stated the purpose of my call , and was informed that the individual I described was indeed within . I then assured the functionary that Bartleby was a perfectly honest man , and greatly to be compassionated , however unaccountably eccentric .