nearly four o'clock
`` See if the people have left . '' The skipper went on deck and returned to report the coast clear . Thurston then went on shore , entered the carriage , and was driven homeward . It was nearly four o'clock when he reached Dell-Delight , and there he found the whole premises in a state of confusion . Several negroes were on the lookout for him ; and as soon as they saw him ran to the house . `` What is the meaning of all this ? '' he inquired , detaining one of the hindmost .