three o'clock
All this he had achieved by Benjy 's advice and assistance . But now he had conquered another step in life -- the step which all real boys so long to make : he had got amongst his equals in age and strength , and could measure himself with other boys ; he lived with those whose pursuits and wishes and ways were the same in kind as his own . The little governess who had lately been installed in the house found her work grow wondrously easy , for Tom slaved at his lessons , in order to make sure of his note to the schoolmaster . So there were very few days in the week in which Tom and the village boys were not playing in their close by three o'clock . Prisoner 's base , rounders , high-cock-a-lorum , cricket , football -- he was soon initiated into the delights of them all ; and though most of the boys were older than himself , he managed to hold his own very well . He was naturally active and strong , and quick of eye and hand , and had the advantage of light shoes and well-fitting dress , so that in a short time he could run and jump and climb with any of them . They generally finished their regular games half an hour or so before tea-time , and then began trials of skill and strength in many ways .