nine o'clock
`` At any rate , Harry wo n't come back until he has it . He wo n't bring back merely an excuse when his commission was for a ton of ice . '' Tom wandered into the new headquarters ' tent , heaved a big sigh as the weight of his new responsibilities struck him with full force , and began a systematic examination of all the piles of papers and maps now under his charge . By nine o'clock Harry Hazelton and his guide returned , followed by a four-mule transport wagon . Tom , hearing the approach , came out and beckoned . Harry rode up , dismounting . `` Well , I got the ice , you see , '' announced Hazelton .