Two o'clock
` My opinions are in suspense ; not yet precipitated , as Peak might say . ' One o'clock sounded from neighbouring churches , but Malkin was wide awake as ever . He entered upon a detailed narrative of his travels , delightful to listen to , so oddly blended were the strains of conscious and unconscious humour which marked his personality . Two o'clock ; three o'clock ; -- he would have talked till breakfast-time , but at last Earwaker declared that the hour had come for sleep . As Malkin had taken a room at the Inns of Court Hotel , it was easy for him to repair to his quarters . The last his friend heard of him was an unexplained laugh , echoing far down the staircase . Peak 's destination was Peckham Rye .