Nine o’clock
He opened the door of the state-room and peered in ; that too was empty . `` He must have gone for a walk with the boy , '' said the skipper uneasily when he returned with the news . He took up the parcel again and went below , followed by the mate , and for some time sat silently smoking . `` Nine o'clock , '' said the mate at last in consternation as the little clock tinkled the hour . `` That confounded boy 's not up to any mischief , I s ' pose ? He 's been in a devil of a temper the last day or two . '' `` I do n't see what mischief he could do , '' pondered the other , knitting his brows .