nine o'clock
`` So I did ; but now we are up here we might as well stay awhile and have some fun . It 's early yet . '' `` It 's not early for me , '' responded Richard . `` I promised to be back by nine o'clock , and it must be near that now . Just give me my hat . '' For Norris had taken his guest 's hat and placed it on a hook beside his own . For reply , the shipping-clerk pulled Richard down into a seat .