a
quarter after four
`` The subject of this cheerful soliloquy returned without delay to Sam Yen 's , who welcomed him with a wan smile , and after explaining some minor details of the work , crept off to his cot . Ah Moy immediately began his self-imposed task , and worked with a will , crooning the while a quaint Celestial air . It was ironing day at Sam Yen 's , and the new hand did not object particularly to that part of the process . By a quarter after four he had completed the job , and surveyed with much satisfaction the neat bundles , duly ranged on the shelves . `` Dennis Coogan arrived at dusk , and throwing down his ticket and some small change on the counter , walked off with his parcel , mumbling something uncomplimentary about the dirty haythin ' who kept honest folks waitin ' for their clothin ' . Later in the evening Sam Yen appeared , much refreshed , and relieved his kind assistant . Ah Moy then left , cutting short the thanks of his countryman .