half past nine
`` No , I do n't think he ever got the color ! But wot are ye moonin ' about for ? Ai n't ye goin ' to play ? It 's mor ' 'n half past nine now . '' Thus adjured , Uncle Jim moved up to the table and sat down , while Uncle Billy dealt the cards , turning up the Jack or right bower -- but WITHOUT that exclamation of delight which always accompanied his good fortune , nor did Uncle Jim respond with the usual corresponding simulation of deep disgust . Such a circumstance had not occurred before in the history of their partnership . They both played in silence -- a silence only interrupted by a larger splash of raindrops down the chimney .