nine o'clock
asked John , who did not believe his brother was fool enough to fall overboard , or permit any serious accident to happen to him . `` I do n't know . I ca n't see what has got the boy . He always comes home before nine o'clock . Have you heard him say anything that will give you an idea where he is ? '' `` He has n't said anything to me . '' `` Try , and see if you ca n't think of something , '' persisted the anxious mother .