four o'clock
But when we add the risk of detection and the severe penalty of imprisonment , it seems a fatal mistake for any man to overstep the bounds of honesty and enroll himself as a criminal . '' `` I agree with you , Mr. Melville , '' said Herbert , thoughtfully . `` I do n't think I shall ever be tempted , but if I am , I will think of this man and his quick detection . '' When they reached the depot , a little before four o'clock , George Melville sent Herbert to the ticket office to purchase tickets , while he remained in the waiting room . `` I might as well accustom you to the duties that are likely to devolve upon you , '' he said , with a smile . Herbert had purchased the tickets and was turning away , when to his surprise he saw Ebenezer Graham enter the depot , laboring evidently under considerable excitement . He did not see Herbert , so occupied was he with thoughts of an unpleasant nature , till the boy greeted him respectfully .