nine o'clock
I believe I saw him just now , shutting up the greenhouse . '' After a rather lengthy search , the girls at last discovered the old gardener putting away his tools in the potting shed . `` Johnson , please , we want to ask you a question , '' began Janie . `` Were you near St. Chad 's at nine o'clock on the night before last ; and did you happen to see anyone climbing the lime tree that stands close to the house ? '' Johnson stroked his chin reflectively . `` It could n't have been last night , '' he replied , after a few moments ' consideration . `` I was in Dunscar then .