afternoon, about three o'clock
Moreover , his presence about the school door began to incense the master , as the boys in that neighbourhood neglected their lessons in consequence ; and more than once he issued into the porch , rod in hand , just as Tom beat a hasty retreat . And he and the wheelwright , laying their heads together , resolved to acquaint the Squire with Tom 's afternoon occupations ; but in order to do it with effect , determined to take him captive and lead him away to judgment fresh from his evil doings . This they would have found some difficulty in doing , had Tom continued the war single-handed , or rather single-footed , for he would have taken to the deepest part of Pebbly Brook to escape them ; but , like other active powers , he was ruined by his alliances . Poor Jacob Doodle-calf could not go to the school with the other boys , and one fine afternoon , about three o'clock -LRB- the school broke up at four -RRB- , Tom found him ambling about the street , and pressed him into a visit to the school-porch . Jacob , always ready to do what he was asked , consented , and the two stole down to the school together . Tom first reconnoitred the wheelwright 's shop ; and seeing no signs of activity , thought all safe in that quarter , and ordered at once an advance of all his troops upon the schoolporch . The door of the school was ajar , and the boys seated on the nearest bench at once recognized and opened a correspondence with the invaders .