nearly four o'clock
`` I would n't say that it had been so bad to you , either , '' Semple smilingly suggested , as he turned to the door . Thorpe grinned in satisfied comment . `` Hurry back as soon as you 've finally settled with Rostocker and the other fellow , '' he called after him , and began pacing the floor again . It was nearly four o'clock when these two men , again together in the Board Room , and having finished the inspection of some papers on the desk , sat upright and looked at each other in tacit recognition that final words were to be spoken . `` Well , Semple , '' Thorpe began , after that significant little pause , `` I want to say that I 'm damned glad you 've done so well for yourself in this affair . You 've been as straight as a die to me , -- I owe it as much to you as I do to myself , -- and if you do n't think you 've got enough even now , I want you to say so . '' He had spoken in tones of sincere liking , and the other answered him in kind .