seven o'clock
It was doubly irritating , therefore , to think that by his own lack of diplomacy he had almost forfeited Smith 's confidence . Twice had the man been on the very brink of revelation , for he was one of those happy-go-lucky beings not fitted for the safeguarding of secrets , yet on each occasion his tongue faltered in subconscious knowledge that he was about to betray his master 's affairs . Feeling that Dale would have managed this part of the day 's adventures far better than himself , Medenham took his seat and touched the switch . `` We have to make Bristol by seven o'clock , so I shall pull out in front ; I suppose Count Marigny will give the ladies the road ? '' he remarked casually . Smith was listening to the engine . `` Runs like a watch , do n't it ? ''