Nearly nine o'clock
A special waiter was stationed to head off reporters or other curious people who might attempt to interview the submarine diners . So the meal proceeded in peace , though it was rather late when the diners finished . `` Whew ! Nearly nine o'clock , '' muttered Farnum , glancing up at a big clock on a near-by wall . `` And I have n't been out to the hospital , to-day , to see how Dave is coming along . '' `` Would it do to telephone , and ask the hospital people to let Mr. Pollard know you had inquired ? '' suggested Hal .