ten o'clock
`` Any one might come and clear all the pears away if I were not here . '' But Tom felt very good-humoured over the business , as he thought of certain remarks he would be able to make to the gardener next day ; and he was running over this , and wishing that some one would come to break the monotonous vigil , when there was the sound of a door opening up at the cottage , and then steps on the gravel path . Directly after Uncle Richard 's voice was heard . `` Now , Tom , my lad , just ten o'clock ; give it up for to-night . Where are you ? '' Before Tom could make answer there was a quick movement on his left , an elbow was jerked into his ribs , and David exclaimed in a husky whisper -- `` Now , my lad , wake up . Here 's your uncle . ''