eight o'clock
`` And since you wo n't take any money you 'll let me give you this , '' said Walter . `` You _ must _ let me give you this ; it 's not worth much , but it 'll show you that Walter Evson did n't forget the good turn you did us . '' And he forced on the old shepherd 's acceptance a handsome knife , with several strong blades , which he happened to have in his pocket ; while Power and Kenrick , after a rapid whispered consultation , promised to bring him in a few days a first-rate plaid to serve him as a slight reminder of their gratitude for his ready kindness . Then they all shook hands with many thanks , and the three boys , eager to find sympathy in their perils and deliverance , hastened to Saint Winifred 's , which they reached at eight o'clock , just when their absence was beginning to cause the most serious anxiety . They arrived at the arched gateway as the boys were pouring out of evening chapel , and as every one was doubtfully wondering what had become of them , and whether they had encountered any serious mishap . When the Famulus admitted them , the fellows thronged round them in crowds , pouring into their ears a succession of eager questions . The tale of Walter 's daring act flew like wildfire through the school , and if any one still retained against him a particle of ill-feeling , or looked on his character with suspicion , it was this evening replaced by the conviction that there was no more noble or gallant boy than Walter among them , and that if any equalled him in merit it was one of those whose intimate friendship for him had on this day been deepened by the grateful knowledge that to him , in all human probability , they owed their preservation from an imminent and overpowering peril .