about five o'clock
I want to head him off . '' By this time they had reached the steps of the front porch . `` See here , Hiram , '' observed Dave , lowering his voice , `` we 'll sit down here for a spell . It 's about five o'clock , and by six someone will be stirring about . '' `` Say , '' said Hiram , staring across the shadowed porch , `` the front door there is open . '' `` Why , so it is , '' replied Dave , peering towards it . `` That 's strange , is n't it ? ''