nearly eight o’clock
`` Whew ! I 'm going home ! '' Peter van Holp took out a bulgy gold watch and , holding it toward the moonlight as well as his benumbed fingers would permit , called out , `` Halloo ! It 's nearly eight o'clock ! Saint Nicholas is about by this time , and I , for one , want to see the little ones stare . Good night ! '' `` Good night ! ''