eight o'clock
I can see that you are nearly famished . '' `` I 've a right smart appetite , Thomas , there 's no mistake about that . If appetite were assets , I could invite a whole regiment to rations . '' I had thrust my hand under his arm , and was dragging him towards a small oyster shop , whose red balloon in a side street had caught my eye , when I suddenly remembered that it was imperative on me to be at the office at eight o'clock that morning , in order to prepare certain papers wanted by the president of the board , previous to a meeting of the directors . -LRB- I was at that time under-secretary of the Savonarola Fire Insurance Company . -RRB- The recollection of the business which had caused me to be on foot at this unusual hour brought me to a dead halt . I dropped my cousin 's arm , and stood looking at him helplessly .