nearly ten o'clock
`` That 's it , '' said Uncle John , nodding approval . `` There 's no great mystery about young Jones , I 'm sure . '' Next morning Uncle John and the Weldons -- including the precious baby -- went for a ride into the mountains , while Beth and Patsy took their embroidery into a sunny corner of the hotel lobby . It was nearly ten o'clock when A. Jones discovered the two girls and came tottering toward them . Tottering is the right word ; he fairly swayed as he made his way to the secluded corner . `` I wish he 'd use a cane , '' muttered Beth in an undertone . `` I have the feeling that he 's liable to bump his nose any minute . ''