half past nine o'clock
Richard 's communication , on this occasion , was `` yea , yea ; nay , nay . '' He had the look of one who speaks the truth , and the principal was duly impressed by the appearance and manner of the prisoner . `` You speak very decidedly , '' added the colonel . `` Were you at your post at half past nine o'clock ? '' `` I was not , sir . '' `` Where were you ? '' Richard hesitated ; there were several teachers and several company officers present .