eight o'clock
But the morning came at last , as all mornings do come , and they were the first ones up and dressed , although they spent a great deal of time on their toilet . Mopsey proposed that the others escort the two fortunate ones to the hotel , in order that they might learn what this great surprise was as soon as possible ; but Dickey insisted that Ben and Johnny go alone , since Mr. Weston had not said anything about their bringing any friends with them . It did seem to these two boys , after their companions had gone to work , that the hands of the clock would never point to nine . They had walked slowly from their boarding-house to the hotel , hoping to pass away the time by looking in the shop-windows ; and yet , walking as slowly as they did , they were on the sidewalk opposite the house as early as eight o'clock . Since they could not content themselves anywhere else , they remained there until it should be time for them to call , still speculating as to what their good-fortune was to be , and wishing the minutes would pass more quickly . The clock was just striking the hour of nine when they entered the office of the hotel , and found Mr. Weston and Paul evidently awaiting their arrival . Whatever the surprise was that Mr. Weston had in store for them , it was not in the hotel that they were to receive it ; for as soon as they entered Paul and his father started towards them , leading the way out into the street at once .