about eight
o'clock
The Greaser paid no attention to their talk , but sat immobile at the tent flaps . During the time the boys had been held prisoners no one had come to their canvas shelter save the cook , who brought them a plentiful supper , and also another barrel-head tray for the guard . The day had passed with several blasts having been set off , though the effect of them , and the object , was concealed from the boy ranchers . In accordance with their plan , Nort and Dick dawdled over their night meal , having consumed only part of it when the cook , at about eight o'clock , came to remove the dishes . `` Git 'em mornin ' , '' he said , as he turned to go out , evidently meaning that he was going to turn in , and the boys could keep what they had until the next day . This exactly suited them , and just before they were ready to lie down , pretending to be sleepy , Nort produced the cup of coffee he had saved out . Quickly he emptied into it half of the bottle of paregoric , and , stirring it to mix the opium concoction well with the beverage , offered it to the Greaser .