Nine o'clock
Archelaus pushed off and fell to the oars . The Commandant took the tiller . As the boat pointed for shore the garrison bell on the hill rang out nine o'clock . Nine o'clock ! The notes of the bell struck apprehension upon the Commandant 's heart . His guest would certainly be awake by this time , and as certainly hungry . To be sure , she could not attire herself until her boxes arrived -- at any rate , would not appear .