six
o'clock
`` We know as much as he does , as far as that is concerned , '' said Patsy , `` and our combined intelligence ought at least to equal his . I 'm sorry for the poor man , and wish we might help him to come to his own again . '' They all agreed to this sentiment and while the girls attended to their editorial duties they had the amazing story of Thursday Smith uppermost in their minds . When the last copy had been placed in the hands of Miss Briggs and they were driving to the farm -- at a little after six o'clock -- they renewed the interesting discussion . Just before reaching the farm Hetty Hewitt came out of the wood just in front of them . She was clothed in her short skirt and leggings and bore a fishing rod and a creel . `` What luck ? ''