about three o'clock in the afternoon
Not forgetting that he was only following up this handicraft as a prop to lean on while he prepared those greater engines which he flattered himself would be better fitted for him , he yet was interested in his pursuit on its own account . He now had lodgings during the week in the little town , whence he returned to Marygreen village every Saturday evening . And thus he reached and passed his nineteenth year . At this memorable date of his life he was , one Saturday , returning from Alfredston to Marygreen about three o'clock in the afternoon . It was fine , warm , and soft summer weather , and he walked with his tools at his back , his little chisels clinking faintly against the larger ones in his basket . It being the end of the week he had left work early , and had come out of the town by a round-about route which he did not usually frequent , having promised to call at a flour-mill near Cresscombe to execute a commission for his aunt . He was in an enthusiastic mood .