six o'clock
This was a sad cut . The farm was half a mile away , across the park ; and this order meant that for another hour at least he must be an outsider in the drama . `` Appleby , '' said Mr Rimbolt , when that jaunty youth appeared , `` take Benbow , and ride as quickly as you can , to the police-office at Overstone . Tell the inspector with my compliments , to meet me with three constables at Rodnet Bridge at six o'clock , that is , in three hours . Come back as quickly as you can , and have the dog-cart at the door at five . '' `` Now , '' said he to Jeffreys , when these various matters of business had been put in train , `` we may as well occupy our time by getting something to eat , supper and breakfast in one -- I dare say you are hungry . '' As Jeffreys had scarcely eaten anything for three days -- in fact , since his visit to Grangerham -- he could honestly admit being ready for a meal .