eight o'clock
`` I can not leave until my mission is completed ; we have almost certain news of an incursion by the British across the Kill von Kull , which will do much injury to the peaceful country folk of Elizabethtown and Newark . The man they call ` Billy the fiddler ' will have a message for me to-night of the greatest importance , and he plays with others at the De Lancey ball ; are you to be there , and at what hour ? '' `` I , Oliver ? '' said Kitty , and turned rosy red as the incautious word escaped her ; `` all New York is going at eight o'clock , but what has that to do with '' -- `` This , '' whispered Oliver Wolcott , pulling his hat further down over his eyes , and motioning Kitty to walk a few steps away from the door : `` I must be there . '' `` You are mad ! '' and Kitty turned pale at the idea . `` Oh , no , I am coming as one Diedrich Gansevoort , from Albany .