seven o'clock
agreed Mr. Narkom , emphatically , following Cleek 's lead though rather in the dark . `` It 's back to London for me , whenever you 're ready . '' `` And that 'll be as soon as Dollops can pack my things and get 'em off to the station . '' The question of packing was a very small matter altogether , and it was barely seven o'clock when , this finished , Cleek and Mr. Narkom had collected their coats and hats from the hat-stand , given Borkins the benefit of their very original ideas as to closing up the house and clearing out of it as soon as possible , each of them slipped a sovereign into his hand , and were standing talking a short while at the open front door . The chill of the evening crept into the house in cold breaths , turning the gloomy hall into a good representation of a family vault . `` All I can say , '' said Cleek , chewing a cigar , his hands in his trousers ' pockets , and his feet rocking from toe to heel , `` is -- get out of it , Borkins , as soon as you can . I do n't mind tellin ' you , I 'm jolly glad to be clearin ' out myself .