about ten o'clock
`` When Larry grabbed him by the arm and started to lead him out , I saw the gentleman take a good look all around ; and that 's the truth , Frank , '' Elephant remarked . Frank hardly knew what to think . This might be a very significant thing ; and then again , if one looked at it another way , was it not simply what any curious stranger , interested in the doings of the venturesome Bird boys , might have done ? It was about ten o'clock , and growing quite hot , since the time was July . Just as Andy had hinted , that bank of dark clouds hanging low along the horizon in the southwest might take a notion to climb up in the heavens at any time , and bring about a summer thunderstorm . Apparently Frank did not bother his head in connection with such a possibility ; for a little later he wheeled his bicycle out of the shed as though intending to leave the others temporarily . `` Be back in half an hour or so , Andy , '' he called over his shoulder , as his cousin came to the door to see what he was about to do .