about five o'clock in
the afternoon
`` You dear Uncle Clarence ! '' `` So yesterday afternoon I telegraphed to Fabian to ask him when you were to start for the West . He telegraphed back that you expected to leave Washington on Monday morning . I got this answer about five o'clock in the afternoon . And , as it was Saturday night and I had a clear day , the blessed Sabbath , before me , I only waited to close the works at six o'clock , as usual , and then I hurried away , packed a carpet bag and caught , by half a minute , the six-thirty express for Baltimore and Washington , and came straight through ! It was a twelve hours ' journey , my dear , without stopping except to change cars , which connected promptly , and so you see I have lost no time ! I have just arrived , and did not have to wait five minutes even to see you , for you were here to receive me !