six o'clock
`` I have them handy , father , one in each pocket . '' `` James , are your pistols charged ? '' `` Yes , sir . '' At six o'clock it was beginning to get dusk , and they stopped while the groom got down and lit the lamps ; then they resumed their journey . They were within five miles of Reigate when suddenly two horsemen rode out from a side road with a shout of `` Stand and deliver ! '' The Squire lashed the horses , and a moment later a pistol was fired , and the ball went through his hat . By the light of the lamps Mark saw the other man raise his hand , and , leveling his pistol , fired on the instant ; then , as there was no reply to his shot , he discharged the second barrel at the first who had fired , and who had at once drawn another pistol .