nine o'clock
They were the old mill-hands , and had been with Mark Clay from boyhood ; and among them was Naomi 's father . ` Well , men , is t ' mill burnt down that I ca n't even eat my dinner in peace , but must come at once to speak with you ? ' inquired Mr Clay . ` Sorry to interrupt your dinner , master ; but we know it 's a long business , is that , up at Balmoral , and we 've got to take an answer back to our mates down Ousebank by nine o'clock , ' said Naomi 's father , who was evidently the spokesman . ` Oh , and what may you want to know ? ' inquired Mark Clay in a tone which did not promise much . Luke Mickleroyd looked for a moment doubtfully at Horatia .