nearly
nine o'clock
`` He is going to get Mr. Pertell and an officer to go with him . '' `` But what is it all about ? '' asked Mr. DeVere . Then , rather disjointedly , and with many interruptions , the girls told the story of the afternoon and evening , for it was now nearly nine o'clock . Of course Mr. DeVere and Mrs. Dalwood were much worried when they learned what had happened , and the widow was not at her ease when she thought of her son still not out of danger . `` But I 'm sure he will soon be back , '' declared Alice , confidently . She was a great comfort in trouble -- a real optimist .