about eight o'clock in the morning
`` If you 'll lem me go , '' said a muffled voice from the bag , `` I 'll give you five thousand pounds -- it 's in that there box . '' Hiram answered never a word , but continued knotting the rope and drawing it tight . The Scorpion sloop-of-war lay in Lewes harbor all that winter and spring , probably upon the slim chance of a return of the pirates . It was about eight o'clock in the morning and Lieutenant Maynard was sitting in Squire Hall 's office , fanning himself with his hat and talking in a desultory fashion . Suddenly the dim and distant noise of a great crowd was heard from without , coming nearer and nearer . The Squire and his visitor hurried to the door . The crowd was coming down the street shouting , jostling , struggling , some on the footway , some in the roadway .