2:40
P.M
True as a needle to the Pole went Arnaux now , no hesitation , no doubts ; within one minute of leaving the coop he was speeding straight as a ray of light for the loft where he was born , the only place on earth where he could be made content . That afternoon Billy was on duty when the whistle of fast wings was heard ; a blue Flyer flashed into the loft and made for the water-trough . He was gulping down mouthful after mouthful , when Billy gasped : `` Why , Arnaux , it 's you , you beauty . '' Then , with the quick habit of the pigeon-man , he pulled out his watch and marked the time , 2:40 P.M. . A glance showed the tie string on the tail . He shut the door and dropped the catching-net quickly over Arnaux 's head . A moment later he had the roll in his hand ; in two minutes he was speeding to the office of the Company , for there was a fat tip in view .