about three in the afternoon
Just as the boys reached the hotel , Sir Harry drove up in a cab ; and five minutes later they were all rattling off to the railway station . Taffy eyed the cab-horse curiously , never doubting it to be Sir Harry 's new purchase ; and was extremely surprised when the cabman whipped it up and trotted off -- after receiving his money , too . But in the bustle there was no time to ask questions . It was about three in the afternoon , and the sun already low in the south-west , when they came in sight of the cross-roads and Sir Harry pulled up his bays . And there , on the green by the sign-post , stood Mrs. Raymond . She caught Taffy in her arms and hugged him till he felt ashamed , and glanced around to see if the others were looking ; but the phaeton was bowling away down the road . `` But why are _ you _ here , mother ? ''