about a quarter to four
Only one outsider was invited to attend -- namely , `` Rats , '' whose cheery presence it was thought would tend to enliven the proceedings , and chase away the gloomy clouds of regret which would naturally hang over the near prospect of parting . The box-room -LRB- where such functions usually took place -RRB- being at this time in a state of indescribable uproar , it was decided that the banquet should be served in one of the remote classrooms . `` None of the fellows 'll come near it , '' said Jack Vance ; `` and if old Watford should be knocking round and catch us there , he wo n't do anything to-day ; we shall have to clear out , that 's all . '' Accordingly , about a quarter to four , the three friends , with their solitary guest , assembled at the trysting-place . Jack Vance carried two big paper bags , Diggory a biscuit-box and a small tin kettle , while the other two were provided with four clean jam-pots , it having been announced that there was `` going to be some cocoa . '' For the preparation of this luxury Diggory mounted a form and lit one of the gas-jets , over which he and Jack Vance took it in turns to hold the kettle until the water boiled . Sugar , cocoa , and condensed milk were produced from the biscuit-tin , and the jam-pots having been filled with the steaming beverage , the company seated themselves round the stove , in which there still smouldered some remains of the morning 's fire , and prepared to enjoy themselves .