a few minutes after 10
o'clock
`` In the first place , Jennie convinced me that Monteith would only go to his own death by venturing out ; at any rate , it would so result if he did not receive the signal from Mr. Vesey . '' As she paused the amazed Sterry asked : `` But why did she think I would venture unless I got the sign from Vesey ? '' `` Because you told her so . You were so confident , when she expressed her misgivings , that you said you would wait a few minutes after 10 o'clock and then try it , even if no signal appeared . '' `` You are correct ; I _ did _ tell her that . '' `` I consented to her plan on condition that if Mr. Vesey signalled you should go and she should stay ; if he did not do so , she was to venture alone . '' `` Why did n't she consult with me ? ''