eight o'clock in the Afternoon
`` While Tam Cargill started away on his mission , the Provost , whose chief aim was to gain time and cause delay , penned an epistle to the Frenchman , in which he stated that he had neglected to name the terms on which he would consent to spare the town , and that he would consider it extremely obliging if he would , as speedily as possible , return an answer , stating them , in order that they might be laid before the chief men of the place . '' `` When the Provost , who was a grave , dignified old man , with a strong dash of humour in him , handed this note to the French officer , he did so with a humble obeisance that appeared to afford much gratification to the little man . As the latter jumped into the boat and ordered the men to push off , the Provost turned slowly to his brother magistrates with a wink and a quiet smile that convulsed them with suppressed laughter , and did more to encourage any of the wavering or timid inhabitants than if he had harangued them heroically for an hour . `` Some time after the boat returned with a reply , which ran thus : -- '' ` At Sea , _ eight o'clock in the Afternoon _ . ' '' ` Gentlemen , -- I received just now your answer , by which you say I ask no terms . I thought it was useless , since I asked you to come aboard for agreement . But here are my terms : -- I will have 30,000 pounds sterling at least , and six of the chiefs men of the town for otage .