about half after nine
`` Yes , sir , '' replied the boy ; and then : `` I shall tell you , sir , when I have been to see Ajax . '' Mr. Moore 's room was next to that of his youthful charge , and it was the tutor 's custom to have a look into the boy 's each evening as the former was about to retire . This evening he was particularly careful not to neglect his duty , for he had just come from a conference with the boy 's father and mother in which it had been impressed upon him that he must exercise the greatest care to prevent Jack visiting the music hall where Ajax was being shown . So , when he opened the boy 's door at about half after nine , he was greatly excited , though not entirely surprised to find the future Lord Greystoke fully dressed for the street and about to crawl from his open bed room window . Mr. Moore made a rapid spring across the apartment ; but the waste of energy was unnecessary , for when the boy heard him within the chamber and realized that he had been discovered he turned back as though to relinquish his planned adventure . `` Where were you going ? '' panted the excited Mr. Moore .