nine o'clock
Herbert lay asleep in his bed , and our old fellow-student lay asleep on the sofa . I could not dress myself without help ; but I made up the fire , which was still burning , and got some coffee ready for them . In good time they too started up strong and well , and we admitted the sharp morning air at the windows , and looked at the tide that was still flowing towards us . `` When it turns at nine o'clock , '' said Herbert , cheerfully , `` look out for us , and stand ready , you over there at Mill Pond Bank ! '' It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold : when it is summer in the light , and winter in the shade . We had our pea-coats with us , and I took a bag . Of all my worldly possessions I took no more than the few necessaries that filled the bag .