half past
nine
`` Do n't know as I ever counted , '' the boy said . `` Some miles she goes faster , and some miles she goes slower . A good deal depends on whether it 's uphill or downhill . '' `` Well , '' said I , taking out my watch , `` we must keep her up to six miles an hour , at least , and then we shall do the eight miles by half past nine , with something to spare . '' `` Eight miles ! '' repeated the boy . `` Eight miles to where ? ''