eight o'clock
No , no . More like he 'll get a good berth underground -- foreman of gang , or plat boss , or summut like that . '' Tom thought it might be a job connected with the railroad , which was his own ambition ; while Nelly , usually so ready with her tongue , for a wonder kept silent and made no suggestions . On the following morning , when , promptly at eight o'clock , Peveril presented himself at the manager 's office , his patience was tried by being compelled to wait in an anteroom for more than an hour while the great man despatched an immense amount of business with many subordinates . Richard could not help overhearing many of the conversations carried on in the private office , and , as he listened , was filled with admiration at the decisive readiness with which the manager disposed of one difficult problem after another . Finally , when all the others had been dismissed , Peveril was summoned to the inner room , where , after a word of regret at having kept him so long in waiting , the manager bade him be seated , and said : `` Mr. Peril , it is so evident that you have been accustomed to a position far removed from that of a common laborer , that I am desirous of knowing something more of your life before intrusting you with a responsibility . Do you mind telling me what brought you to this section of country ? ''