about half past nine
Then followed the preliminary inspection , after which the command `` at ease '' was given . Everybody shifted to a more comfortable position , and prepared for the long delay that they knew would probably ensue . `` Wonder how long it will be before the general arrives , '' speculated Frank . `` It 's only about half past nine now , and I do n't believe he 'll get here anything like that early . '' `` He 'll probably have lunch first , '' predicted Tom , gloomily . `` They 've just got us out here now with the idea that standing will make us grow . '' `` Aw , snap out of it , '' laughed Billy .