six
o'clock
`` And you have an extremely impudent one , Charlie . But can you tell me at what time the mackerel boats may be expected this evening , for it seems the old fellow is not often to be found at home during the day , and we shall be pretty sure to find him on the beach when the boats arrive ? '' Thus appealed to , Tregarthen cast a long look at the sea and sky . `` Well , I should say , considering the state of the tide and the threatening appearance of the sky , we may expect to see them at six o'clock , or thereabouts . '' `` That leaves us nearly a couple of hours to spare ; how shall we spend it ? '' said Oliver . `` Go and have a look at this fine old town , '' suggested Tregarthen .