nine o'clock
The horse , quite amazed , bolted and swerved down the grade like a snipe , with his rider crouching close for a second shot . But no second shot came , and after another mile McCloud ventured to take off his hat and put his finger through the holes in it , though he did not stop his horse to make the examination . When they reached the open country the horse had settled into a fast , long stride that not only redeemed his reputation but relieved his rider 's nerves . When McCloud entered his office it was half-past nine o'clock , and the first thing he did before turning on the lights was to draw the window-shades . He examined the hat again , with sensations that were new to him -- fear , resentment , and a hearty hatred of his enemies . But all the while the picture of Dicksie remained . He thought of her nodding to him as they parted in the saddle , and her picture blotted out all that had followed .