nine o'clock
Crispin looked at his brother as if pleading for protection . `` But we already have permission -- mother expects us at eight o'clock , '' objected Basilio timidly . `` Neither shall you go home at eight , you 'll stay until ten . '' `` But , sir , after nine o'clock no one is allowed to be out and our house is far from here . '' `` Are you trying to give me orders ? '' growled the man irritably , as he caught Crispin by the arm and started to drag him away . `` Oh , sir , it 's been a week now since we 're seen our mother , '' begged Basilio , catching hold of his brother as if to defend him .