three o'clock
And as you are among my very oldest and dearest friends , it will be a pleasure for me to let you know how I am getting on , and to be sure that you will feel an interest in my doings . '' There was a warm goodbye , and all went to the door for a few last words . Frank 's portmanteau was already in the dog cart , for he had arranged to drive straight from Greendale to Chippenham , where he would dine at an hotel and then go on by the mail to Exeter . It was three o'clock when he drove into the barracks there . Early as the hour was , the troops were already up and busy . Wagons were being loaded , the long lines of windows were all lighted up , and in every room men could be seen moving about . He drove across the barrack yard to his own quarters , left his portmanteau there , and then walked to the mess room .