a quarter to nine
He was right , and I saw it . I quieted down with an effort , and wondered what was coming next . Wallop appeared at the door in answer to the bell , and was told he was not wanted . Then Mr Barnacle turned to Hawkesbury and asked , `` What brought you here so early as a quarter to nine , Hawkesbury ? '' This question surprised Hawkesbury as much as it delighted me . I hardly expected to have a cross-examination in my favour conducted by Mr Barnacle . `` I came to do some work , '' said Hawkesbury .