nine o'clock
Then he had literally crumpled up into a heap , as he sank to the ground . The excited crowd lifted him up and bore him away , and I turned in surprise to Craig . He was looking at his watch . It was now only a few moments past nine o'clock ! Not quarter of an hour later , our door was excitedly flung open and Elaine and Perry Bennett arrived . `` I 've just heard of the accident , '' she cried , fearfully . `` Is n't it terrible .