eleven
o'clock
But two poor women had an anxious time . These were Lizzie , who , in some mysterious manner , persuaded herself that she was responsible for the custody and safe keeping of the bailiffs in the eyes of the law ; and if anything happened to them she might be summoned up to Dublin , and put on her trial on the capital charge . The other was Mrs. Deady . When eleven o'clock struck , she expected to hear every moment the well-known footsteps of her spouse ; but no ! Half-past eleven -- twelve struck -- and Jem had not returned . At half-past twelve there was a peculiar scratching sound at the back-door , and Bess opened it and dragged Jem into her arms , whilst she poured into his face a fire of cross-questions . `` Ax me no questions an ' I 'll tell ye no lies , '' said Jem .