nearly five o'clock
`` I must not speak . '' `` Well , anyhow , '' said Smith , rising , `` it is not likely that I should allow myself to be frightened out of rooms which suit me very nicely . It would be a little too feeble for me to move out all my goods and chattels because you say that Bellingham might in some unexplained way do me an injury . I think that I 'll just take my chance , and stay where I am , and as I see that it 's nearly five o'clock , I must ask you to excuse me . '' He bade the young student adieu in a few curt words , and made his way homeward through the sweet spring evening feeling half-ruffled , half-amused , as any other strong , unimaginative man might who has been menaced by a vague and shadowy danger . There was one little indulgence which Abercrombie Smith always allowed himself , however closely his work might press upon him . Twice a week , on the Tuesday and the Friday , it was his invariable custom to walk over to Farlingford , the residence of Dr. Plumptree Peterson , situated about a mile and a half out of Oxford .