seven o'clock
in the evening
Since the complete failure of his enterprise , Hinge had devoted himself entirely to nursing me ; and he had been so assiduous in his attentions that I was surprised to find him absent when I called for him . At this time I was liable to be unduly excited by almost anything , and as his absence continued hour after hour , I lashed myself into a condition of wild anxiety . I was convinced that nothing but his interest for my welfare could have kept him away from me so long , and I was certain in my own mind that he had found a clew of some sort . It was seven o'clock in the evening when he came back at last , and my first glance at his face told me that something of importance had transpired . `` Where have you been all day ? '' I asked . `` Do you think , sir , '' Hinge returned , with a face and voice of mystery -- `` do you think , sir , as you 'll be able to get about to-morrow ?