about two in the
afternoon
Then Hillyard himself burst into a roar . `` I bought that fairly , '' he admitted , and he went up several points in the estimation of them all . The last day of the races came -- all sunshine and hot summer ; lights and shadows chasing across the downs , the black slopes of Charlton forest on the one side , parks and green fields and old brown houses , sloping to the silver Solent , upon the other ; and in the centre of the plain , by Bosham water , the spire of Chichester Cathedral piercing the golden air . Paddock and lawn and the stands were filled until about two in the afternoon . Then the gaps began to show to those who were concerned to watch . Especially about the oval railings in the paddock , within which , dainty as cats and with sleek shining skins , the racehorses stepped , the crowd grew thin . And in a few moments , the word had run round like fire , `` The officers had gone . ''