about eight o'clock
`` Say , Colonel , ai n't we always treated the Railroad on the level ? '' `` Jim , '' asked the Colonel , gently , `` did n't I always take care of you ? '' He had laid his hand on the shoulder of Mr. Maker , who appeared slightly mollified , and glanced at a massive silver watch . `` Well , I 'll be dropping in about eight o'clock , '' was his significant reply , as he took his leave . `` I guess we 'll have to grease the wheels a little , '' the Colonel remarked to me , and gazed at the ceiling ... . The telegram apropos of the Ward Five leader was by no means the only cipher message I sent back during my stay . I had not needed to be told that the matter in hand would cost money , but Mr. Watling 's parting instruction to me had been to take the Colonel 's advice as to specific sums , and obtain confirmation from Fowndes .