nearly nine o'clock
`` Under those circumstances I have no objection to acting as you propose . '' `` Very good ; that settles it . Now we 'd better arrange one or two other little matters while we 're about it , and then postpone the remainder until they arrive . '' It was not until nearly nine o'clock that evening that the three men , whom Moreas had informed Max were so determined to share the chances of the expedition with him , put in an appearance . It was part of the plan , that Max and he had arranged together , that the former should not be in the room when they arrived . He was to drop in half an hour or so later , as if by chance , and then to appear annoyed at finding them there . When he did so , Moreas greeted him with well-simulated surprise .