nearly nine o'clock
Laverick , notwithstanding that the hour was becoming late , found an outfitter 's shop in the Strand still open , and made such purchases as he could on Morrison 's behalf . Then , with the bag ready packed , he returned to his rooms . Time had passed quickly during the last three hours . It was nearly nine o'clock when he stepped out of the lift and opened the door of his small suite of rooms with the latchkey which hung from his chain . He began to change his clothes mechanically , and he had nearly finished when the telephone bell upon his table rang . `` Who 's that ? '' he asked , taking up the receiver .