nine
o'clock
What do you suppose Maxie is doing just now , papa ? '' `` Doubtless he is in his room preparing his lessons for to-morrow . The bugle-call for evening study-hour sounds at half-past seven , and the lads must be busy with their books till half-after nine . '' He drew out his watch , and glancing at its face , `` Ah , it is just nine o'clock , '' he said . `` Kiss me good-night , daughter , and go back to your berth . '' Max was in his room at the Academy , busy with his tasks , trying determinately to forget homesickness by giving his whole mind to them , and succeeding fairly well . Very desirous , very determined was the lad to acquit himself to the very best of his ability that he might please and honor both his Heavenly Father and his earthly one .