ten o'clock
Lilli and Lisbeth merely looked flurried and pink when Freule Menela came airily on board with me , and Alb appeared interested in giving instructions to Hendrik , who disputed respectfully with Tibe possession of countless yards of his beloved cotton waste . At last , however , I began to wonder why we did not get away . The day 's trip was to be a return to Amsterdam , not with the object of reviving impressions of that city , but for the pleasure of the run through the River Vecht , which Alb praised as the prettiest stream in the Netherlands , and named a miniature Thames . It was ten o'clock , and , as usual , we were timed to start at ten ; but I did not consider it my place to ask the reason why , or any other question about starting . Mine , but to do or die -- and keep out of reach of Freule Menela . It was through Nell that the mystery was solved , as we stood chatting on deck . `` Where 's Phil ? ''