nine o'clock
Of the four sophomores Cowan 's laughter and praise alone rang false . But Neil was supremely indifferent to that youth 's sentiments . The others he soon discovered to be thoroughly good fellows , and there is no doubt but that he enjoyed the hospitality of Farmer Hutchins more than he would have enjoyed the freshman class dinner . At nine o'clock the drive back to Centerport began , and as the horses soon found that they were headed toward home the journey occupied surprisingly little time , and at ten Neil was back in his room awaiting the return of Paul . To Neil 's surprise that gentleman was at first decidedly grumpy . `` You might have let me into it , '' he grumbled . But Neil explained and apologized until at length peace was restored .