eight o'clock
Next evening , when preparation began , Pietrie and Graham got everything ready for a carouse in their class-room . Wildney , relying on the chance of names not being called over -LRB- which , was only done in case any one 's absence was observed -RRB- , had absented himself altogether from the boarders ' room , and helped busily to spread the table for the banquet . The cook had roasted for them the fowls and pigeons , and Billy had brought an ample supply of beer and some brandy for the occasion . A little before eight o'clock everything was ready , and Eric , Attlay , and Llewellyn were summoned to join the rest . The fowls , pigeons , and beer had soon vanished , and the boys were in the highest spirits . Eric 's reckless gaiety was kindled by Wildney 's frolicsome vivacity , and Graham 's sparkling wit ; they were all six in a roar of perpetual laughter at some fresh sally of fun elicited by the more phlegmatic natures of Attlay or Llewellyn , and the dainties of Wildney 's parcel were accompanied by draughts of brandy and water , which were sometimes exchanged for potations of the raw liquor . It was not the first time , be it remembered , that the members of that young party had been present at similar scenes , and even the scoundrel Billy was astonished , and alarmed occasionally at the quantities of spirits and other inebriating drinks that of late had found their way to the studies .