Ten o'clock
Every one was in such a hurry that I dared not `` pop the question '' as to the whereabouts of Hawk Street again , but made my way back once more to the entrance . By this time I was so muddled that for the life of me I could not tell which was the street I had come down , still less how I could get back to it . Ask my way I must , if I died for it ! Ten o'clock had struck ten minutes ago , and I was due at Merrett , Barnacle , and Company 's at 10:15 . I noticed a boy ahead of me walking rather more slowly than the rest . I would ask him , and stick to him till he put me right . So I made up to him boldly .