four o'clock
They shook hands , and once more the mountaineer hurried on . The elaborate midday dinner at Arden had been dabbled at , or bolted with a rush which did scant justice to the cuisine of that hospitable establishment ; for a restiveness obsessed the household which would not be denied . The Colonel was wishing for the return of Doctor Stone -- and this happened to be the wish of Nancy . Brent cared little what took place if four o'clock would hurry around . Yet each shared in a vague apprehension for the mountaineer who , Zack told them , had not returned . `` He may have walked over to Bob 's , '' the Colonel suggested , and the simple hearted servant , seeing his old master 's distress of mind , unhesitatingly declared : `` Dat 's jest whar he done gwine , Marse John , sho 's youse bawned ! '' This had brought relief , if not conviction .