nearly twelve o'clock
`` We 'll have it back at camp , '' said Mr. Anderson . `` These ducks , with some dumplings and flour gravy , will be some dish . '' They made for the far end of the lake and then got out . By this time it was nearly twelve o'clock , and they debated whether to climb the mountain then or wait until they had had something to eat . `` I tell you what to do , '' said Anderson . `` You fellows go and climb this mountain . I 'll stay here , catch a few fish , then build a fire and have everything ready for you when you return . ''