nine in the evening
I 'm a-goin ' ter try fer enough ter-night ter take me well out of these parts . '' Bute 's face was sinister enough to suggest any phase of evil , and Brandt well knew that he was capable of what he meditated . It was now the policy of both parties , however , to be very friendly , and Bute was still further mellowed by a draught of liquor from Brandt 's flask . They had several games of cards in which it was managed that Bute 's winnings should be the larger ; and at nine in the evening they started on what was to Bute another expedition of robbery and murder . Mr. Alford , who was on the alert , saw them depart with a deep sigh of relief . The night was cloudy , but the moon gave plenty of light for travelling . Brandt soon secured his horse , and then appeared to give full rein to his careless , reckless spirit .