quarter past two in the morning
Dash it ! '' The whole strength of the company began to demand light . When the lights came , it was from the other side of the hall . Six revolver shots , fired at quarter past two in the morning , will rouse even sleeping domestics . The servants ' quarters were buzzing like a hive . Shrill feminine screams were puncturing the air . Mr. Beach , the butler , in a suit of pink silk pajamas , of which no one would have suspected him , was leading a party of men servants down the stairs -- not so much because he wanted to lead them as because they pushed him .