five o'clock in the afternoon
Conrad was not slow in learning of Mr. Gale 's departure from the hotel . The intelligence pleased him , for , as he supposed , it threw Andy out of employment . He sought an early opportunity of speaking to him on the subject . At five o'clock in the afternoon the mail came in at the post office . Among those who congregated there at the time were Conrad and Andy . `` So you 've lost your place ? '' began Conrad , abruptly .