nearly six
o'clock
`` I have n't time to stop to tell you how naughty it is to listen . If I do n't go right now the storks may all be gone , and then of course we could n't make any money . Good-bye , Lady Pat -- I 'll try hard , but do n't be disappointed if there are n't any left -- good-bye . '' Allen rushed from the house and , hailing a passing taxi , ordered the chauffeur to drive to the office , although it was now nearly six o'clock . With characteristic energy Gorham made good the promise given to Allen to investigate matters at the office , and not many days after his return to his desk he issued a call for a special meeting of the Executive Committee . He looked upon it almost as a weakness to have permitted this boy 's unsupported statements to influence him even to this extent , but he justified himself by the knowledge that a confirmation of the loyalty of his associates would give him renewed strength . The day of the meeting found every member of the committee present -- a fact which interested Gorham as an evidence of the devotion of these men to the responsibilities which rested upon them .