six o'clock in the morning
But would the Professor kindly come at once ? Commander Raffleton was waiting for him -- in the orchard . So Cousin Christopher , in bedroom slippers , without socks , wearing a mustard-coloured dressing-gown and a black skull cap upon his head -- the very picture of a friendly magician -- trotted hastily downstairs and through the garden , talking to himself about `` foolhardy boys '' and `` knowing it would happen '' ; and was much relieved to meet young Arthur Raffleton coming towards him , evidently sound in wind and limb . And then began to wonder why the devil he had been frightened out of bed at six o'clock in the morning if nothing was the matter . But something clearly was . Before speaking Arthur Raffleton looked carefully about him in a manner suggestive of mystery , if not of crime ; and still without a word , taking Cousin Christopher by the arm , led the way to the farther end of the orchard . And there , on a fallen branch beneath the walnut tree , Cousin Christopher saw apparently a khaki coat , with nothing in it , which , as they approached it , rose up .