four o'clock
Dick 's note bore the disturbing news that Colonel Grand had returned to town , and that Mrs. Braddock was expected the following day . Ernie had obtained this information through the friendly Portman servant , who -LRB- to quote Dick -RRB- affected the hunchback 's society because he believed that the `` touching of a hump would bring good luck ! '' Old Mr. Portman , it was given out , was on his way to his summer place in the Adirondacks , Naturally he would be accompanied by his daughter and Christine . They were due to arrive at four o'clock , and expected to remain in town for ten days before going up to the cool hills . The closing sentences of the pickpocket 's note were quaintly satirical : `` Brad says he ca n't afford to be seen in my company . You know how politely he would say it , do n't you ? He says he ca n't take chances now .