ten
o'clock
exclaimed Bob , in such lugubrious tones that even Nellie laughed , although sharing his feelings about the prospect of a wet day , with the more than probable contingency of their being confined to the house . `` What shall we do ? '' `` Cheer up , my lad , it may not be so bad after all , '' cried the Captain heartily . `` But , really , I must be going now ; for , it is close on ten o'clock and I shall lose all my beauty sleep , as I said before . Where is young Dick ? '' `` Down in the kitchen with Sarah , '' replied Mrs Gilmour to this question , ringing the bell as she spoke . `` He 'll soon be ready if you insist on taking him away with you . ''