9:45
The alteration had been neatly made , and no one who did not know the original amount drawn for would have suspected that £ 80 was not the proper sum . `` This cheque , '' said Mr Merrett , `` was presented at the bank this morning at ten o'clock and cashed . '' I made no reply , being determined to say as little as I could . `` You were here at this hour , I believe , '' continued Mr Merrett , `` but you had left the office between 9 and 9:45 . '' `` No , sir . I have not left the office since I arrived at half-past eight . '' Mr Merrett touched the bell .