About ten o’clock
For the first time in my life , that night I could n't sleep . I thought to myself , at last , that I would get up early , pack a few clothes , and escape , leaving my books to pay as they might my arrears of rent . Looking out of the window , however , in the morning , I saw Stagers prowling about the opposite pavement ; and as the only exit except the street door was an alleyway which opened along-side of the front of the house , I gave myself up for lost . About ten o'clock I took my case of instruments and started for File 's house , followed , as I too well understood , by Stagers . I knew the house , which was in a small uptown street , by its closed windows and the craped bell , which I shuddered as I touched . However , it was too late to draw back , and I therefore inquired for Mrs. File . A haggard-looking young woman came down , and led me into a small parlor , for whose darkened light I was thankful enough .