twelve o’clock
The mysterious nature of the commencement of their conversation was explained ; Mr. Dowler had as great an objection to duelling as himself ; in short , this blustering and awful personage was one of the most egregious cowards in existence , and interpreting Mr. Winkle 's absence through the medium of his own fears , had taken the same step as himself , and prudently retired until all excitement of feeling should have subsided . As the real state of the case dawned upon Mr. Winkle 's mind , he looked very terrible , and said he was perfectly satisfied ; but at the same time , said so with an air that left Mr. Dowler no alternative but to infer that if he had not been , something most horrible and destructive must inevitably have occurred . Mr. Dowler appeared to be impressed with a becoming sense of Mr. Winkle 's magnanimity and condescension ; and the two belligerents parted for the night , with many protestations of eternal friendship . About half-past twelve o'clock , when Mr. Winkle had been revelling some twenty minutes in the full luxury of his first sleep , he was suddenly awakened by a loud knocking at his chamber door , which , being repeated with increased vehemence , caused him to start up in bed , and inquire who was there , and what the matter was . ` Please , Sir , here 's a young man which says he must see you directly , ' responded the voice of the chambermaid . ` A young man ! ' exclaimed Mr. Winkle .