five in the afternoon
This was the point in the ceremony at which the wretched Nutty had broken down absolutely , and not inexcusably , considering the severity of the test . The surface of the frame was black with what appeared at first sight to be a thick , bubbling fluid of some sort , pouring viscously to and fro as if some hidden fire had been lighted beneath it . Only after a closer inspection was it apparent to the lay eye that this seeming fluid was in reality composed of mass upon mass of bees . They shoved and writhed and muttered and jostled , for all the world like a collection of home-seeking City men trying to secure standing room on the Underground at half-past five in the afternoon . Nutty , making this discovery , had emitted one wild yell , dropped the frame , and started at full speed for the house , his retreat expedited by repeated stings from the nervous bees . Bill , more prudent , remained absolutely motionless . He eyed the seething frame with interest , but without apparent panic .