about ten o'clock
Humming a tune , he crossed the diminutive hall and went into the sitting-room , where the cheerful crackle of a small wood fire gave an air of comfort to the hearth . On the table , where his admirable man-servant had placed it , was a tray bearing glasses , a siphon and a bottle of whisky ; and beside the tray were the few letters which had come by the last post ; while in a conspicuous place lay a telegram in its tawny envelope ; and this , naturally enough , was the first thing Barry touched . Taking it up , he tore it open decisively ; and as the envelope fell to the ground he unfolded the pink paper and read the message scrawled thereon . `` Just arrived Southampton will be with you about ten o'clock . OWEN . '' The paper fluttered to the floor and Barry consulted his watch hastily . `` Ten o'clock !