about nine o'clock
he 's used to them about . No , he 's had an accident , I think . '' Peter 's eyes were anxious and his voice told of a fear of some real disaster . The dusk fell early and though only about nine o'clock , it was as dark as midnight . Clouds had obscured the stars , and only the firelight relieved the black darkness . But after an hour 's worriment and distress on the part of the three men the guide returned . He looked a little shame-faced , and was disinclined to reply to their questions .