about nine o'clock
With a hasty glance over my shoulder , I crept around and into the shed . The stones came away easily in my hand . With another hurried look , I slipped the packet into the opening , stole out of the shed , and entered the house by the back door . My mother had been up for some time -- it was now about nine o'clock -- and had prepared our breakfast . Her face was still pale , but some of its anxiety left it as I entered . She was evidently waiting for me to speak . Something in my looks , however , must have frightened her , for , as I said nothing , she began to question me .