half past nine
`` Why ? '' `` The hands point to less than half past nine ! '' Darrin managed to get at his own watch . `` My timepiece does n't call for half past nine , either , '' he announced . `` Can it be possible -- '' `` Yes ; the time has only seemed longer , I reckon , '' observed Dalzell . `` Well , we 'll face it like men , '' proposed Dave . `` Of course , '' nodded Dan .