about a
quarter to two in the afternoon
What was her surprise to find it gone ! She went to the place behind the locker on the counter , where she had discovered it the day before . It was not there ; and she immediately began an eager search about the shop . When Mr. Cave returned from his business with the dog-fish , about a quarter to two in the afternoon , he found the shop in some confusion , and his wife , extremely exasperated and on her knees behind the counter , routing among his taxidermic material . Her face came up hot and angry over the counter , as the jangling bell announced his return , and she forthwith accused him of `` hiding it . '' `` Hid _ what _ ? '' asked Mr. Cave .