the hour of nine
They saw their designs were laid open ; and , judging of him by themselves , thought it impossible to forgive or be forgiven . The Baron ordered them to keep in separate apartments ; he took his eldest son for his own companion , as being the most reasonable of the malcontents ; and ordered his kinsmen to keep their own apartment , with a servant to watch their motions . Mr. William had Oswald for his companion . Old Joseph was bid to attend on Edmund ; to serve him at supper ; and , at the hour of nine , to conduct him to the haunted apartment . Edmund desired that he might have a light and his sword , lest his enemies should endeavour to surprise him . The Baron thought his request reasonable , and complied with it . There was a great search to find the key of the apartment ; at last it was discovered by Edmund , himself , among a parcel of old rusty keys in a lumber room .