nine o'clock
The Captain shook his head . `` The keys of the stable are on my desk , which shows that the horses are in for the night . I admit I am at a loss -- however , I reckon they will be in presently , with an explanation and a good laugh at us for being anxious . '' But when nine o'clock came , and then half-after-nine , and still they did not appear , the men grew seriously alarmed . The Captain had recourse to the telephone again , getting residence after residence , without result . At last he hung up the receiver . `` I do n't know what to make of it , '' he said , bewildered .