three o’clock in the morning
''' `` My grandsons ! is it possible ? '' `` Watch them , '' said Philippe . `` You will see them coming home along the place Saint-Jean , at two or three o'clock in the morning , as tipsy as champagne-corks , and in company with Gilet -- '' `` That 's why the scamps keep so sober at home ! '' cried Monsieur Hochon . `` Fario has told me all about their nocturnal proceedings , '' resumed Philippe ; `` without him , I should never have suspected them . My uncle is held down under an absolute thraldom , if I may judge by certain things which the Spaniard has heard Max say to your boys .