eight o'clock
before
Half an hour before it became dark , Guy went down to the front door . Standing there listening attentively , he presently heard three little knocks given , as by a hand on the door . He opened it a little , Katarina slipped in , and he again fastened it and put up the bar . `` I brought the disguises early , '' she said , `` as I thought they might be required in haste , but my father has learned that it will be eight o'clock before the butchers sally out with their forces from the markets . '' `` All here are ready and prepared to start at a moment 's notice , and have arranged to go out by a door behind , that leads into a narrow lane . '' `` That is good ! '' the girl said .