Quarter past
two
If ever a forlorn hope skated upon thin ice , his and George Kent 's was doing so at that moment . If Egbert _ should _ agree to return to Bayport , and if his statement concerning the ownership of the Boston bonds _ was _ true , then -- well , then it would not be Mr. Phillips who might receive the attentions of the constable . Egbert stopped staring and once more looked at the clock . Quarter past two ! He turned again quickly . `` Kendrick , '' he snapped , `` what _ is _ your proposition ? '' `` My proposition ?