ten o'clock at night
He assured him , that , as he had been the means of throwing in his way the temptation to which he fell a sacrifice , he would charge himself with the retrieval of his affairs . In the meantime , he made him taste of his bounty , and desired him to continue in his present employment until he should return from the garrison , when he would consider his situation , and do something for his immediate relief . Hadgi attempted to kiss his shoe , and wept , or affected to weep , with sensibility at this gracious reception ; he even made a merit of his unwillingness to exercise his new occupation , and earnestly begged that he might be allowed to give immediate attendance upon his dear master , from whom he could not bear the thoughts of a second parting . His entreaties were reinforced by the intercession of his two friends , in consequence of which the Swiss was permitted to follow them at his own leisure , while they set forward after a slight repast , and reached the place of their destination before ten o'clock at night . Peregrine , instead of alighting at the garrison , rode straightway to his father 's house ; and no person appearing to receive him , not even a servant to take care of his chaise , he dismounted without assistance . Being followed by his two friends , he advanced into the hall , where perceiving a bell-rope , he made immediate application to it in such a manner as brought a couple of footmen into his presence . After having reprimanded them , with a stern look , for their neglect in point of attendance , he commanded them to show him into an apartment ; and as they seemed unwilling to yield obedience to his orders , asked if they did not belong to the family ?