eight o'clock
It was no particular trial for Joe Tucker to go to bed early , for he was naturally a lazy man , and fond of rest ; while his wife , who worked a great deal harder than he , after being on her feet from four o'clock in the morning , found it a welcome relief to lie down and court friendly sleep . Zeke was n't always ready to go to bed . In fact , he would much rather have gone up to the village now and then , but if he had done so he would have had to stay out all night . There was one thing his parents were strict about , and that was retiring at eight o'clock . Philip , however , did not retire at that hour . It was earlier than his usual hour for bed . Besides , he was in hopes his friend Frank would make his appearance , and help him , though he did n't exactly understand how , to make his escape .