five o'clock
There was enough to cause anxiety , for Vernon repeatedly ran out to ask the boys who were passing if they had seen his brother , and the answer always was , that they had left him bathing in the sea . Meanwhile our young friends , having caught several crabs , suddenly noticed by the sun that it was getting late . `` Good gracious , Edwin , '' said Eric , pulling out his watch , `` it 's half-past three ; what have we been thinking of ? How frightened they 'll be at home , '' and running back as fast as they could , they reached the house at five o'clock , and rushed into the room . `` Eric , Eric , '' said Mrs Williams faintly , `` where have you been ? has anything happened to you , my child ? '' `` No , mother , nothing .