Nine o'clock
When everything had been arranged to suit Hugh , the boys retired within the rabbit hutch , and the door was fastened with the padlock , which Hugh could undo when the time came by leaning far out of the open window . They took up their positions in the place already selected , and wrapped in complete darkness awaited coming events . The time passed very slowly , but since they had dressed warmly , they did not suffer from the chilly air , for it was only April , and the warmth of summer still far distant . Nine o'clock struck . Bless that town clock , by means of which they could tell the hour ; for Thad was beginning to believe it much later than it really was . He yawned , and stretched a bit , shifting his position . Then Hugh touched him on the arm , and his low whisper came in Thad 's very ear .