nine o’clock
Indeed the house was rocking to such an extent that it seemed likely to be torn from its foundations . `` No , '' said Hobson , `` courageous as she is , she could not , she ought not to accompany us . But on second thought , it will be best to tell her of our project . She ought to know in case any accident should befall us '' `` Yes , '' replied Long , `` we ought not to keep anything from her , and if we do not come back '' ... `` At nine o'clock then , Sergeant . '' `` At nine o'clock . '' And with a military salute Sergeant Long retired . A few minutes later Hobson was telling Mrs Barnett of his scheme .