four o'clock
As Dick was a United States Army officer , under orders to proceed to his post within the next few days , the court reduced his testimony to writing , and permitted Prescott to sign this under oath . It had been a busy forenoon . Now it was time for luncheon , and the three chums returned to the house to eat . In the afternoon they visited the wall , remaining there until four o'clock . On their return to the house Tom and Harry were greeted by Mr. Prenter , who had been waiting for them . `` I heard the news of last night 's doings , and to-day 's , and came right down , '' explained the treasurer of the Melliston Company . `` Reade , I 'm glad to be able to say that you appear to have brought us to the end of the explosion troubles . ''