nearly ten o'clock
`` I suppose all I can do is to return to Brill and wait , '' said Sam , on rejoining those at the hotel . `` I might send out a general alarm , but I 'd hate to do that and then have Tom walk in as if nothing unusual had happened . '' `` And it would be just like him to do it , '' returned Songbird . It was nearly ten o'clock when Sam and his chum returned to the college . Tom had not yet shown himself , nor had he sent in any word . His books and his clothing were exactly as he had left them . `` Well , he did n't take anything with him , '' was Sam 's comment , as several of his chums came in to sympathize with him .