About
two o'clock
He accordingly pointed out the task , after which he placed him at his side , lest the inexperienced boy might be put on his guard by any of the scholars . In this intention , however , he was frustrated by Thady , who , as he thoroughly detested the knavish tyrant , resolved to caution the poor scholar against his dishonesty . Thady , indeed most heartily despised the mercenary pedagogue , not only for his obsequiousness to the rich , but on account of his severity to the children of the poor . About two o'clock the young wag went out for a few minutes , and immediately returned in great haste to inform the master , that Mr. Delaney , the parish priest , and two other gentlemen wished to see him over at the Cross-Keys , an inn which was kept at a place called the Nine Mile House , within a few perches of the school . The parish priest , though an ignorant , insipid old man , was the master 's patron , and his slightest wish a divine law to him . The little despot , forgetting his prey , instantly repaired to the Cross-Keys , and in his absence , Thady , together with the larger boys of the school , made M'Evoy acquainted with the fraud about to be practised on him . `` His intintion , '' said they , `` is to keep you at home to-night , in ordher to get whatever money you have into his own hands , that he may keep it safe for you ; but if you give him a penny , you may bid farewell to it .