eight o'clock
The squire evidently knew who he was , and did not want John to know , for some unexplained reason . The young man wondered what the reason could be ; the mere name of the wretched man was not likely to convey any idea to his mind , for it was highly improbable that he had ever met him before his conviction . So John departed to his own room and refreshed himself with a tub , while the squire kept watch by daylight . It was not yet eight o'clock when Holmes brought a note from the vicar , which Mr. Juxon tore open and read with anxious interest . `` MY DEAR MR. JUXON -- I received your note late last night , but I judged it better to answer this morning , not wishing to excite suspicion by sending to you at so late an hour . The intelligence is indeed alarming and you will , I daresay , understand me , when I tell you that I found it necessary to communicate it to Mrs. Ambrose -- '' The squire could not refrain from smiling at the vicar 's way of putting the point ; but he read quickly on . `` She however -- and I confess my surprise and gratification -- desires to accompany me to the Hall this morning , volunteering to take all possible care of the unfortunate man .