nine o'clock
I 'm British ; but I 'm Nic Lavilette 's friend anyhow . '' He insinuated into his tone that little touch of brogue which he used when particularly persuasive . Nic put out his hand with a burst of good - natured frankness . `` Meet me in the store-room of the old farmhouse at nine o'clock , and I 'll tell you . Here 's a key . '' Handing over the key , he grasped Ferrol 's hand with an effusive confidence , and hurried out . Nic Lavilette was now an important person in his own sight and in the sight of others in Bonaventure .