nine o'clock
On his arrival there he found , to his surprise , Silk standing alone in the middle of the room , while the doctor was quietly writing at his table . `` Riddell , '' said the doctor , as the captain entered , `` you reported two boys to me . Only one is here . '' `` I told Gilks he was to be here at nine o'clock , sir , '' said the captain . `` You had better go and see why he is not here . '' Riddell obeyed , and found on inquiry at the schoolhouse that Gilks was on the sick-list , and had obtained leave from the matron to remain in bed till after dinner . The captain had his private doubts as to the seriousness of the invalid 's case , especially as , of the two , he was the less damaged in yesterday 's fight .