eight o'clock
He had gone up and had rung the bell several times , but as no one opened he had returned to his lodge . It was not unusual for Malipieri and Masin to be both out at the same time , and he thought it likely that they were in the vaults . He cursed them both quietly for the trouble they had given him of mounting the stairs for nothing , and went to his supper , and in due time to bed . He must go up again at eight o'clock , by which time Malipieri was always dressed , and as it was now only seven o'clock he had plenty of time to sweep . So he lit his pipe deliberately and took his broom , and went out of his lodge . The first thing that met his eye was a dark stain on the stones , close to the postern . He passed his broom over it , and saw that it was dry ; and it was red , but not like wine .