midday
before
`` But I may go with you and Dick , '' interposed Bob , by no means content to be left behind . `` May n't I , Captain ? '' `` Oh yes , you may go or come , just as you please to call it , '' replied the Captain , making a move towards the door , with an energetic thump of his malacca cane on the floor . `` Look sharp , though , or it will be midday before we 're out of the house ! '' This contingency , however , did not happen , for within a minute or so he and the two boys were out on the parade ; the party being further increased by the presence of Rover , who had been lurking in the passage and followed them out unobserved . Not a bark or a gambol betrayed that he was after them , until the Captain on turning round suddenly saw him in their rear , close up to Bob 's heels . `` Hullo ! ''