about six o'clock
His clerk had been some days in the town , looking into a proposed transaction in real estate , and Stormont left Winnipeg when a letter from him arrived . This was not because the business required his supervision , but because Watson , the clerk , had found out something that might prove to be important , although it might lead to his employer 's wasting his time . Stormont seldom let what he called a fighting change go by . He had eaten a good supper at about six o'clock , and after a talk with Watson and a young man whose acquaintance the clerk had made , had sent them off to see the town at his expense . This was not rash , because Stormont could trust his clerk . Now he waited their return , but it was not for Watson 's benefit he had put a cigar-box and a bottle of strong liquor on the table . Much depended on Watson 's tact and judgment , and Stormont felt relieved when he came in .