the hour of nine
The five gentlemen of leisure , the veterinary surgeon , and the other trustees occupied their several chairs . The roll had been called , and every man had answered to his name . The occasion being one of much importance , a full board was required . As the minute-hand neared the hour of nine Dempsey became uneasy . He started every time a new-comer mounted the stairs . Where was McGaw ? No one had seen him since he swallowed the tumblerful of whiskey and disappeared from O'Leary 's , a few hours before .