nearly three o'clock
`` That 's so , '' said the Inspector , struck with the force of my argument . `` I know Mr. Maxwell 's shop , and our best plan will be to go on there as fast as we can . '' Again thanking the landlord for his civility , we returned to our cab and once more set off , this time for Mr. Maxwell 's shop in Ipswell Street . By the time we reached it it was nearly three o'clock , and gradually growing light . As the cab drew up alongside the curb the Inspector jumped out and rang the bell at the side door . It was opened after awhile by a shock-headed youth , who stared at us in sleepy astonishment . `` Does Mr. Maxwell live at the shop ? ''