10:30
The news of the disaster to the well had traveled far by this time ; and now for two or three days a steady avalanche of people had been pouring into the valley . The lower end of the valley was become one huge camp ; we should have a good house , no question about that . Criers went the rounds early in the evening and announced the coming attempt , which put every pulse up to fever heat . They gave notice that the abbot and his official suite would move in state and occupy the platform at 10:30 , up to which time all the region which was under my ban must be clear ; the bells would then cease from tolling , and this sign should be permission to the multitudes to close in and take their places . I was at the platform and all ready to do the honors when the abbot 's solemn procession hove in sight -- which it did not do till it was nearly to the rope fence , because it was a starless black night and no torches permitted . With it came Merlin , and took a front seat on the platform ; he was as good as his word for once . One could not see the multitudes banked together beyond the ban , but they were there , just the same .