nine o’clock
He was , and always had been , totally unlike the ` horse hot at hand , ' who tires before noon through his own over eager exertions in the beginning of the day . On the contrary , his first efforts seemed frequently inadequate to accomplishing his purpose , whatever that for the time might be ; and it was only as the difficulties of the task increased , that his mind seemed to acquire the energy necessary to combat and subdue them . If , therefore , he went anxiously forward upon his uncertain and perilous expedition , the reader must acquit him of all idea , even in a passing thought , of the possibility of abandoning his search , and resigning Darsie Latimer to his destiny . A couple of hours ' riding brought him to the little town of Annan , situated on the shores of the Solway , between eight and nine o'clock . The sun had set , but the day was not yet ended ; and when he had alighted and seen his horse properly cared for at the principal inn of the place , he was readily directed to Mr. Maxwell 's friend , old Tom Trumbull , with whom everybody seemed well acquainted . He endeavoured to fish out from the lad that acted as a guide , something of this man 's situation and profession ; but the general expressions of ` a very decent man ' -- ` a very honest body ' -- ` weel to pass in the world , ' and such like , were all that could be extracted from him ; and while Fairford was following up the investigation with closer interrogatories , the lad put an end to them by knocking at the door of Mr. Trumbull , whose decent dwelling was a little distance from the town , and considerably nearer to the sea . It was one of a little row of houses running down to the waterside , and having gardens and other accommodations behind .