about three o'clock
He forgot to greet the newcomer . Instead he sat gazing at him , wide-mouthed , and after Old Jerry had borne the scrutiny as long as he could he took the initiative himself . `` Well , I got here , '' he quavered . `` I been a-tryin ' to get upstairs to see you ever since about three o'clock , and they would n't let me in . Said you was too busy to be bothered , even when I told 'em I belonged to the Gov ` mint service . But I managed to slip by 'em at last ! '' He paused and waited for some word of commendation .