about nine o'clock
`` In any case , every attempt he made to bother us turned out a fizzle . I am not , however , forgetting precautions , my boy . '' Ned Newton realized that his chum had determined to make this night test of the electric locomotive the pivotal trial of the whole affair . He came back to the works after dinner and was let in by the office watchman at about nine o'clock . `` Mr. Tom here yet ? '' he asked the man . `` Yes , Mr. Newton .