three o'clock
`` I am hoarding for the Admiral 's Christmas present , '' she whispered , `` but it 's no use , I can not endure the suspense about the house a moment longer than is necessary . Just telegraph us yes or no , and we shall get the news four hours before your train arrives . One can die several times in four hours , and I 'm going to commit one last extravagance , -- at the Admiral 's expense ! '' At three o'clock on Saturday afternoon a telegraph boy came through the gate and rang the front door bell . `` You go , Kitty , I have n't the courage ! '' said Nancy , sitting down on the sofa heavily . A moment later the two girls and Peter -LRB- who for once did n't count -RRB- gazed at their mother breathlessly as she opened the envelope .