seven
o'clock
The house-door was open . On the threshold stood a young man with long hair and a long note-book . He was putting questions . `` Last seen at seven o'clock -- left alone with child -- husband out with procession -- any other information ? '' Nancy Joe , with the child on her lap , was answering querulously from the stool before the fire , and Cæsar , face down , was leaning on the mantelpiece . Pete took in the situation at a glance . Then he laid his big hand on the young man 's shoulder and swung him aside as if he had been turning a swivel .