nine o'clock
`` Ay , I was a sailor , though it is many years ago , now , since I saw the sea . '' `` We got some English tobacco at Madras , '' Dick said , not hesitating for once at telling an untruth . `` We sold most of it to the Feringhee soldiers , on our way up , but I think I have got a little of it still left somewhere in the pack . I am too busy to look for it now , and we shall soon be going to show our goods to the officers ' wives ; but if you can come here at nine o'clock , I may have looked it out for you . '' `` I ca n't come at nine , '' the man said , `` for at half-past eight I am shut up for the night . '' `` Come at eight , then , '' Dick said . `` If I am not back , come the first thing in the morning , before we get busy . ''