three o'clock
It was necessary instead to pay William the respect due to age . I accustomed myself to plain facts on the instant , and we said good-morning like old friends . The basket was really heavy , and I put the hoe through its handle and offered him one end ; then we moved easily toward the house together , speaking of the fine weather and of mackerel which were reported to be striking in all about the bay . William had been out since three o'clock , and had taken an extra fare of fish . I could feel that Mrs. Todd 's eyes were upon us as we approached the house , and although I fell behind in the narrow path , and let William take the basket alone and precede me at some little distance the rest of the way , I could plainly hear her greet him . `` Got round to comin ' in , did n't you ? '' she inquired , with amusement .