ten o'clock
In the meantime , Evatt , without so much as an allusion to the bond-servant , had presented a letter from a New Yorker , introducing him to the squire , and by the confidence thus established he proceeded to question Mr. Meredith long and carefully , not about farming lands and profits , but concerning the feeling of the country toward the questions then at issue between Great Britain and America . He made as they talked an occasional note , and the interview ended only with Peg 's announcement of supper . Nor was this allowed to terminate the inquiry , for the squire , as Mrs. Meredith had foreseen , insisted on Evatt 's spending the night , and Charles was accordingly ordered to ride over to the inn for the traveller 's saddlebags . After the ladies had left the two men at the table , the questioning was resumed over the spirits and pipes , and not till ten o'clock was passed did Evatt finally rise . Clearly he must have pleased the squire as well as he had the dames , for Mr. Meredith , with the hospitality of the time , pressed him heartily to stay for more than the morrow , assuring him of a welcome at Greenwood for as long as he would make it his abiding spot . `` Nothing , sir , would give me greater pleasure , '' responded Evatt , warmly , `` but in confidence to ye , as a friend of government , I dare to say that my search for a farm is only the ostensible reason for my travels . I am executing an important and delicate mission for our government , and having already journeyed through the colonies to the northward , I must still travel through those of the south . '