ten past nine
He took a slip of paper from his pocket . `` You dined at the Criterion at half-past eight with a tall , fair lady -- a jolly old dear she was too , old boy , and I congratulate you most heartily -- named Vera . '' Hamilton 's face went red . `` You left the restaurant at ten past nine , and entered cab No. 667432 . Am I right , sir ? '' `` Do you mean to tell me , '' exploded Hamilton , `` that you were watching me ? '' Bones nodded .