six o'clock
Of course the two chums were now always together . And the day of the big flood that October was no exception to the rule . All afternoon the two boys had wandered up and down the swollen river , watching the brown whirling waters , almost bank high , and the trees , fences , even occasional farm buildings , which swept by from above . When six o'clock came they reluctantly left it for supper , and the night 's duties . `` Well , what do you think of the river , Ward ? '' inquired the chief night despatcher as Alex entered the despatching-room . `` It looks rather bad , sir , does n't it .