nearly four o'clock
Of course David wanted work , but just then he wanted money more . He wanted to pay that grocery bill , so that he could look Silas Jones in the face the next time he met him . When the brothers got into their boat and rowed away , David went back to his traps , while Dan , who had been disappointed in his hopes of hearing some private conversation between the visitors and his brother , shouldered his rifle and disappeared in the woods . David worked away industriously until the sun told him that it was nearly four o'clock , and then he put on his coat and started off to keep his appointment with Don and Bert . He found them waiting for him at the General 's barn , and he was not a little surprised when they seized him by the arms and pulled him into the carpenter-shop , the door of which they were careful to close and lock behind them . `` Now I know we can talk without danger of being overheard , '' exclaimed Don . `` We 've got lots to tell you ; but in the first place , '' he added , opening his pocket-book , `` there 's your money . ''