nearly one o'clock
The first skirmish might occur at any moment . The situation was desperate . The captain squared his shoulders , thrust forward his chin , and walked briskly up the path to the door of the dining room . It was nearly one o'clock , but Bos 'n had not yet gone . She was waiting , to the very last minute , for her `` Uncle Cyrus . '' `` Hello , shipmate , '' he hailed . `` Not headed for school yet ?