about eight o'clock
I reckon I have n't got you out of those woods any too quick . '' Only the earliest birds of the hostelry roost were about the big house at that hour . The new arrivals dodged scrub-women and sweepers in the office and on the stairs , and went to their rooms . The Duke , leaving his grandson at his bedroom door , suggested a bit stiffly that he would `` call around about eight o'clock and open the den and lead him down to a little raw meat , unless he smoothed up his manners and his appetite in the mean time . '' Presson came in with the Duke at eight o'clock , bringing cordial morning greetings to Harlan 's room . The old man found his grandson much improved , both in spirits and garb . In his fresh , cool , summer gray , erect , stalwart , and clear-eyed , he won a grunt of approval from his mentor .