nearly six o'clock
In any case , he would get to Lavender House before six o'clock , and would have consumed his cherries in less than an hour from that date . Moses sauntered gaily along the roads , whistling as he went , and occasionally tossing his battered cap in the air . He often lingered on his way , now to cut down a particularly tempting switch from the hedge , now to hunt for a possible bird 's nest . It was very nearly six o'clock when he reached the back avenue , swung himself over the gate , which was locked , and ran softly on the dewy grass in the direction of the laurel bush . Old Betty had given him most careful instructions , and he was far too sharp a lad to forget what was necessary for the obtaining of a quart of cherries . He found his tree , and lay flat down on the ground in order to pull out the basket . His fingers had just clasped the handle when there came a sudden interruption -- a rush , a growl , and some very sharp teeth had inserted themselves into the back of his ragged jacket .