eight
o'clock at night
His lordship , having indulged his appetite , resumed his attempt , and all of a sudden I heard a noise in the next room ; upon which I started up , and perceiving that he had got into my ante-chamber , by the help of a bench that stood under the window , I flung to the door of my room , which I locked with great expedition , and opening another that communicated with the staircase , ran out of the house , through a crowd of more than a hundred people , whom this fray had gathered together . `` Being universally beloved in the neighbourhood , and respected by my lord 's servants , I passed among them untouched , and took refuge in a neighbouring cottage ; while his lordship bawled and roared for assistance , being afraid to come out as he had gone in . Without waiting for his deliberations , I changed clothes with the poor woman who had given me shelter , and in her blue apron and straw hat sallied out into the fields , intending to seek protection in the house of a gentleman not far off , though I was utterly ignorant of the road that led me to it . However , it was my good fortune to meet with a farmer , who undertook to conduct me to the place ; otherwise I should have missed my way , and in all probability lain in the fields ; for by this time it was eight o'clock at night . `` Under the direction of this guide , I traversed hedges and ditches ; for I would not venture to travel in the highway , lest I should fall into the hands of my pursuer , and after I had actually tumbled into the mire , and walked six or seven long miles by the help of a good spirit , which never failed me on such occasions , I arrived at the place , and rung the bell at the garden gate for admittance . Seeing my figure , which was very uncouth , together with my draggled condition , they denied me entrance ; but , when they understood who I was , immediately opened the door , and I was hospitably entertained , after having been the subject of mirth , on account of my dress and adventure . `` Next day I returned and took possession of my house again , where I resumed my former amusements , which I enjoyed in quiet for the space of a whole month , waiting with resignation for the issue of my lawsuit ; when , one afternoon , I was apprised of his lordship 's approach by one of my spies , whom I always employed to reconnoitre the road ; and so fortunate was I in the choice of these scouts , that I never was betrayed by one of them , though they were often bribed for that purpose .