nine o'clock
The shanty by the tracks had never seen such rejoicing as occurred within its cheap walls that January evening . Pat had said nothing at supper time of his wonderful news concerning Mike . He knew how anxious his brother would be to tell it himself , and he had left the tale of his own advancement to follow Mike 's disclosure . For he felt sure that he should find Mike upon his return from the store at nine o'clock , and that he would spend the night at home , as he sometimes did . Many times that day he glanced at the print and gingham counter and imagined Mike 's sturdy figure behind it . Pat 's hands were long and slender , while Mike 's were of the sort known as `` useful . '' `` Before ever he comes in he shall know how to measure and display goods , and how to make neat packages , '' he thought .