six o'clock
If I can settle this thing up nice and friendly I would do so . '' They shook hands , and Abe retraced his steps to the hotel , where he again inquired for Marks Pasinsky . `` He has n't come back yet , Mr. Potash , '' the clerk said , and Abe retired to the writing-room and smoked a cigar by way of a sedative . From six o'clock that evening until midnight he smoked so many sedative cigars and made so many fruitless inquiries at the desk for Marks Pasinsky , that his own nerves as well as the night clerk 's were completely shattered . Before Abe retired he paid a farewell visit to the desk , and both he and the clerk gave vent to their emotions in a great deal of spirited profanity . There was no rest for Abe that night , and when at length he fell asleep it was almost daylight . He awoke at nine and , dressing himself fireman fashion , he hurried to the desk .