about eight
o'clock
Some of the searchers wondered why the chimney in Rawdon 's house was so unnecessarily large and strong , but no examination about its base revealed any connection between it and an underground passage . The detective , in conference with Mr. Terry and the lawyer , decided on four sentries , namely one each at the house and the lake , as already set , one at the road looking towards the entrance , and the other half way between the lake and the house , to keep up the connection . Some bread and meat and a pot of tea , with dishes , were sent down to the three men on the shore by the hands of Timotheus , but they rejected the cold meat , having already made a fire , and broiled the bass caught by Mr. Bigglethorpe . They had a very jolly time , telling fish stories , till about eight o'clock , and the fisherman of Beaver River was in wonderful spirits over the discovery of a new fishing ground . If those lakes had only contained brook trout he would move his store to the Lakes Settlement ; as it was , he thought of setting up a branch establishment , and getting a partner to occupy the two places of business alternately with him . The Richards boys were pleased to think that their new acquaintance was likely to be a permanent one , and made Mr. Bigglethorpe many sincere offers of assistance in his fishing , and subordinate commercial , ventures . At eight Mr. Bangs came down the hill , and posted one of the Richards as sentry , while the fisherman indulged in his evening smoke , preparatory to turning in under the skiff with his friend Bill .